Project Description:
This seven unit townhome project is located at the site of a former run-down motel in the hip Fremont neighborhood of Seattle.  The site had its challenges as it is a tight triangular lot and is located at the busy off ramp of Seattle’s Aurora Bridge.  One the flip side, it had much to gain with sweeping rooftop views of the Cascade and Olympic mountains, views of Lake Union and a great urban location.  The architects took on current zoning and land use codes asking for 6 departures from the code  in order to create a building better suited to its site and surroundings.  One of the code departures allowed the architects to create a shared, open communal space at the street level to promote interaction between neighbors.  To maintain some privacy at the street level, wood screens at the entryways were also added in lieu of tall obtrusive fencing.

The contractor and architect were excited to use sustainable design practices throughout the project in pursuit of LEED Platinum certification.  Sustainable design features include a 20,000 gallon rainwater storage cistern that collects roof and groundwater runoff which, in turn, supplies the toilets and the site irrigation system, and a mechanical system that is comprised of a hydronic radiant floor heating and ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator) system.  Other sustainable design elements include triple-pane windows, FSC certified lumber, low-VOC emitting materials and finishes, and products that contain no PVC or urea formaldehyde compounds.  Overall, the Footprint at the Bridge Townhomes has made a positive impact at both the micro and macro levels.

Recognition:
Footprint at the Bridge is pursuing LEED Platinum Certification

Footprint at the Bridge was published in:
May/June 2007 edition of Northwest Home + Garden, Think Green Issue
and
Thursday, April 2, 2009 of Seattle PI Online

Please visit our publication page to read more.

Project Credits:
Architect: Mark Pevoto, Principal Architect and Sara Imhoff and Ray Johnston, Project Architect; Johnston Architects, PLLC
Contractor: Jason Morrow of Footprint Developments
Landscape Architect: Jack Johnson; Outdoor Studio
Photographer: Will Austin Photography