(continued)

A curvilinear metal screen shielding mechanical equipment on the roof, and painted the same color as the trellises, is reminiscent of waves on the lake and sails in the wind.

Instead of a curtain wall on the building's west side, which faces a residential neighborhood, the architects chose brick with punched windows to produce a warmer, more neighborly feeling. They detailed patterns to provide compensating visual interest to those whose view of the lake is now blocked.

Except for the required setbacks, the building is the same size and shape as the site. At the north end of the 300-foot (90-meter) long curving facade, the building is 100 feet (30 meters) wide. This tapers to a mere 60 feet (18 meters) wide on the south end.

"The shape of the building is a direct response to the shape of the site and the zoning of the area," says Caloger. "The south end of the site is within the shoreline boundary, within 200 feet (60 meters) of the high-water mark. This puts different height constraints on the building's south end, precluding full build-out of the top floor. Instead, a large landscaped outdoor terrace affords rooftop views toward downtown Seattle.

The steep slope also creates a 25-foot (7.5-meter) difference between the east and west sides of the building. This required some creative design of the basement-level 212-car parking garage, which now has three separate entries on two levels. The building's two lobbies are also on different levels.

Building on a Challenging Site

Caloger recalls: "We successfully overcame a variety of design challenges due to the building's location on an extremely tight, sloped, and irregular-shaped site. Our collaboration with contractor Lease Crutcher Lewis was extremely important in shaping the building's final design."

Lease Crutcher Lewis provided preconstruction services during the design development and construction documents phases, giving budget, schedule, and constructibility guidance. They were able to suggest structural detailing, for example, that later made construction faster.

The building's proximity to the lake and the area's high water table threatened numerous problems during construction. The construction schedule was successfully shortened to avoid work on the foundation during the rainiest season.

During excavation, the builders monitored the groundwater level and were prepared to pump water as they dug to the bottom of the hole. However, they were relieved to discover less water than anticipated, and the construction site remained relatively dry.

Temporary drains and pumps kept the area workable during construction; now a network of under-slab and perimeter drains move water to where it's pumped into the storm sewer system.

On the west side of the underground parking garage is a 45-foot (13.5-meter) retaining wall. Any surface water on the face is collected and removed via perimeter pipes at the footings.

Depending on Neighbors

Maximizing the building footprint on the site meant there would be virtually no staging area for construction. Anticipating this enabled the builder to arrange for use of an adjacent parking lot for subcontractor trailers and material storage. Their project office was located a block away.

Maintaining good relations with neighbors was crucial during construction. This meant not further disrupting their available parking and keeping noise to a minimum.

It also required minimizing any lane closures in the adjacent, heavily trafficked Westlake Avenue. Large-scale material deliveries, for example, had to be carefully coordinated with city officials.

Being attentive to the needs of both neighbors and builders throughout the design process, according to Caloger, eventually paid off in a solution that balanced the needs of budget and schedule with the goals of aesthetics and function.

Trellises on the southeast corner. Photo: Fred Housel The building's northeast corner demonstrates the variation of wall types along the long facade. Photo: Fred Housel Plan of the narrow odd-shaped site. Image: MulvannyG2 Architects North/south section with stepping terraces. Image: MulvannyG2 Architects Second level parking garage. Image: MulvannyG2 Architects First floor plan. Image: MulvannyG2 Architects East/west section. Image: MulvannyG2 Architects The west facade of the SPI-Unionbay corporate headquarters with brick detailing. Photo: Fred Housel   Click on thumbnail images to view full-size pictures.