This 95-unit mixed-use residential project in Seattle’s Uptown neighborhood is designed to celebrate this burgeoning Arts & Cultural District surrounding Lower Queen Anne and Seattle Center. Three vertically clad wooden boxes cantilever dramatically over a brick backdrop, anchoring the building to the site. The pedestrian experience is reinforced by lush landscaping and a glass storefront, with street-level retail spaces designed to house restaurants and cafes.
Kirin includes a sweeping rooftop garden with water and city views, and includes seating for small and larger groups, as well as a fire pit and green roof. A top-floor community amenity space features a full kitchen and living room with a large screen TV, perfect for neighbors to gather and watch the big game. A workout room, mail room and secure bike storage are included on the first floor.
To make the transition from public exterior spaces to private interior spaces more profound while promoting wellbeing, an art installation was designed and integrated into the building lobby. A responsive, contoured lighting element hovers below the ceiling and is visible to passersby. Composed of thousands of translucent fabric panels, it’s lit from above by a fully controllable LED grid.
Architect/Designer | Johnston Architects
Builder | R. Miller Inc
Developer | Hycroft Investment Inc.
Interior Merchandiser | Robin Chell Design
Land Planner | LPD Engineering, PLLC
Landscape Architect/Designer | Karen Kiest Landscape Architecture
Interior Designer | Robin Chell Design
Green Verifier/Rater | Evergreen Certified LLC
Marketing Firm | Blanton Turner
Photographer | Rafael Soldi Photography
Judges’ Comments | The exterior façade on this development is exceptional, especially for the region, and has a good relationship to street. The interwoven outdoor space is great for a smaller development as well. Inside, the floor plan is really efficient—with minimized hallways, lots of privacy and different-sized units.
