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 permit application included a request for six departures from the zoning and land use codes in order to create a building better suited to its site and surroundings. One of the code departures created 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 added in lieu of tall obtrusive fencing.

Sustainable design practices were used throughout the project in pursuit of LEED Platinum certification. These included a 20,000 gallon rainwater collection cistern that 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.

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PRESS

Northwest Home + Garden, Think Green Issue: “Leading the Way for Townhomes”
Seattle PI Online: “Townhouses Near Aurora Bridge: From Motel to Modern”

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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

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