client: skanska usa
size: 0.9 acres
location: seattle, washington
duration: 2011–2014
certifications: leed platinum / living building pilot program “city of seattle deep green”
One of “Seattle’s Deep Green” projects and part of the City’s Living Building Pilot Program, Stone 34 led by example. The project demonstrates how commercial projects can successfully push to provide significant civic improvements and integrated green infrastructure. Swift Company’s site design creates a meaningful, dynamic gathering place and a focus of activity for a passionate local community.
More >Stone 34 sits near the shore of Lake Union, bordering the Wallingford and Fremont neighborhoods. The building and site design create a “trailhead” for the Burke Gilman Trail and generously support the runners, walkers, and cyclists that pass through the site each day. A series of plazas invite the community and building occupants to stop, rest and gather. Furnishings are idiosyncratic – seating integrates stretching bars, bicycle parking and a drinking fountain for humans and animals.
Site planting uses harvested rainwater for irrigation, and includes urban agriculture within the right-of-way to promote the use of edible plants in low-maintenance urban conditions. Wide planting medians feature layered rows of blueberry, lavender, rosemary and other plants for harvest. The roof contributes to urban cooling, climate quality and agricultural function with sedum planting and vegetated screens that include hop and fruiting kiwi vines. Stone 34 intelligently blurs public and private, supporting vibrant urban living, in a highly modern yet deceptively simple design.
Less <
