In a world where urban sprawl and large-scale developments often take center stage, The Cottage Company stands out as a beacon of community-focused design and sustainability. Founded with a mission to create modestly-sized homes that offer innovative and sustainable living solutions, The Cottage Company has become a pioneer in redefining the concept of detached residential infill housing in existing single family neighborhoods.

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From its inception, The Cottage Company has been dedicated to building communities that foster connection and attachment among neighbors. Unlike traditional single-family homes that often prioritize size and isolation, The Cottage Company emphasizes a sense of belonging and CONNECTED  living. This ethos is reflected in the design of their homes, which feature richly detailed millwork, solid wood flooring, traditional pitched roofs, and custom touches that give each residence a unique character.

 

What sets The Cottage Company apart is its commitment to creating homes that are not only visually appealing but also environmentally sustainable. The homes are built to a higher standard of quality and performance, achieving Built Green 5-star certification and potentially reaching net-zero energy consumption. Each community and its homes are custom-designed and site-specific, with architects bringing innovative ideas and designs that enhance both functionality and aesthetics.

 

The Cottage Company is not just building homes; it's creating ecosystems. One of the key differentiators is the use of repurposed materials. The traditional construction process generates significant waste, but The Cottage Company takes a different approach. By deconstructing existing structures and reusing materials, they reduce their environmental footprint. In their latest project, they diverted 90% of the deconstruction materials from the former St. George Episcopal Church from the waste stream, reusing them in the construction of new homes. This commitment to sustainability is not just an environmental stance; it's a fundamental part of their philosophy.

 

The Cottage Company's developments offer more than just homes—they provide unique experiences that enhance the quality of life for residents. The Thornton Creek Commons community, for example, features a meditation garden, a dog park, and a creek running through the property. This idyllic setting took nearly four years of planning and approvals, reflecting the company's dedication to creating something truly special. The site, a riparian corridor, with open spaces and woodland areas, had been neglected and overgrown. Working with King County’s HELP program, The Cottage Company undertook the challenging task of restoring the area, removing invasive vegetation, and reintroducing native plants to create a vibrant and sustainable riparian habitat.

 

The Cottage Company's vision goes beyond individual projects. They aim to create a model for "what's possible" in urban development. By combining high-quality construction, sustainable practices, and community-oriented design, they demonstrate that residential new housing development can be both beautiful and environmentally responsible. Their commitment to creating arboretum-like private parks within their communities speaks to their broader vision of connecting people with nature while providing a space that fosters lasting relationships.

 

In an era when rapid urbanization often leads to cookie-cutter developments and environmental degradation, The Cottage Company is a refreshing reminder that thoughtful design, sustainability, and community can coexist to create places that are not only livable but truly enriching.