Sunset Electric Building — Seattle, WA
The Sunset Electric building is a two-story structure with an historic brick façade at the heart of Capitol Hill's vibrant Pike/Pine district. Together with developer Pryde+Johnson, Weber Thompson is creating an exciting new apartment building that preserves the historic base in commercial use while providing 89 affordable, energy-efficient, apartments in a new addition above.
Massing
The massing is a function of the building’s performance. The courtyard scheme promotes energy efficiency, day-lighting, ventilation, and connectivity. The courtyard scheme is integral to both sustainable and lifestyle values expressed by the building.
Old / New
The addition is designed as a neutral foil to the existing historical façade. The use of a light framed opening vocabulary and monochromatic color scheme allow it remain a background building that celebrates, rather than dominates the base. A façade with highly rigorous rhythm and carefully articulated depth is historically honest and attractive in its own right.
Courtyard
In addition to providing day-lighting and ventilation to the units, the courtyard is at the core of the building user’s experience. Open volume connects all residential floors so that the circulation becomes a community space. The dismal corridors of the traditional apartment model are literally turned inside-out. Every unit has their own front door and direct connection to the outside. Light is collected and celebrated through color, materials and landscape.
Landscape
From green roofs and walls to the communal amenity spaces at the courtyard and roof deck, high quality landscape is fully integrated into the building design. Plantings become another material in the design palate and are carefully selected to enhance building function as well as aesthetics.
Sustainability
Anticipating LEED Platinum Certification
Anticipating Built Green 5 Star
Participating in the City of Seattle Priority Green Pilot Program
Received recognition through the Quality Growth Alliance Program