Hjärta Two — Seattle, WA
Located near central Ballard, and surrounded by relatively traditional buildings, seven-level mixed-use building Hjärta Two stands as a quiet comment on modern design. Strong architectural metal frames ground the building creating a symmetry that echoes the area’s former warehouses. Responding to the quieter street, the commercial level comprises of four live/work units rather than traditional retail, with another 102 apartment units above. Bioswales run along the street mitigating the stormwater runoff, while a generous rooftop deck with ample vegetated roof space supports Seattle’s Green Factor and Stormwater Infrastructure Code. The building is pursuing LEED for Homes Midrise Gold certification, and will employ a reverse cycle chiller system for domestic hot water along with other sustainable strategies.