Precast Goes Platinum
Mark Crawford
Photo courtesy of Michael Walmsley
Seattle's 120,000-square-foot "Stone34" building isn't just pleasing to the eye - it's also about as green as green can be. Thanks to the use of a variety of sustainable building materials, including exterior precast concrete panels, the U.S. Green Building Council certified Stone34 as LEED Platinum earlier this year.
The five-story, urban mixed-use building blends sustainable design with the elements of two eclectic neighborhoods. Stone34 serves as a visible beacon for an energetic community, acting as a trailhead for the neighborhood.
Developed and constructed by Skanska, Stone34 became the first project to use Seattle's Living Building Pilot Program, which requires exceptional performance for water and energy resources along with social goals that far exceed criteria for LEED certification. These goals include adhering to market-rate pricing, achieving 75% reduction in energy and water use, and creating a community hub on the popular Burke-Gilman Trail.
The building's design provides 8,500 square feet of open area at street level, providing ample public space to support the outflow of retail on three sides of the structure. The upper four floors contain office space. Attractive, two-tone precast exterior panels also help reflect heat. A grand exterior stairwell, clad in energy-efficient glass, moves the ground-floor activity up the building.
"celebrates the act of taking the stairs and creating a close relationship between the tenant and the community," said Wendy Pautz, partner with LMN Architects, the architectural firm for the project. "The office floors are highly visible to the street, with a digitally-modeled glazing pattern that balances daylight, views, glare and heat gain considerations."
The social aspect of the street plaza continues upward by way of two terraces and a rooftop deck, creating continuous connections with the outdoors and the public. Green walls call attention to the building's sustainable design while also providing habitat for birds and insects.
In 2014, Brooks Sports moved its global headquarters into Stone34, occupying more than 70% of the space.