DESCRIPTION:

Set on a prominent triangular corner in the Wallingford neighborhood of Seattle, this five-story building will accommodate 19 apartments and 4 commercial spaces. The site slopes steeply—a 14-foot-drop—to the southeast and to downtown Seattle. Rather than design a triangular building for a triangular lot which results in a mishmash of largely unusable and undesirable spaces, the design is organized through a series of orthogonal rectangular volumes set across the site (three in a row at the top and highest point, two in the middle tier, reducing to one at the bottom and lowest portion of the site). The portions of the volumes that extend over the sidewalk are transformed into code-conforming bay windows, preserving the volume while meeting site development requirements. The result is a stepped building that maximizes the number of view units and avoids the boxy flatness typical of commodity buildings.

The building is a study of contrasts. The two view sides of the building are defined by floor-to-ceiling glass to take in views of the city, the Cascade Mountains, and Mount Rainier. Sliding screens on on southeast corner units provide sun screening and privacy when desired. The other side of the building, the non-view side, faces a busy arterial and presents a relatively solid facade. Windows here, are for the most part, clerestory windows for added privacy and arranged in a raking pattern to reflect the passage of speeding cars. This contrast is further enhanced by the use of materials. The view sides are wrapped with white SwissPearl panels, while the the arterial side features dark, metal paneling. A rooftop deck spans two of the three levels, providing ample amenity space and dramatic views of the city. Street-level niches, which correspond to the stepping of the building, animate the pedestrian experience. Clad in mirrors and bright colors, they provide a visual treat and a reason to slow down and enjoy the city.