Located near a future extension of Seattle’s light rail system, The Postmark responds to the local need for sophisticated yet reasonably priced market-rate housing. The structure includes two L-shaped, five-story buildings and attracts tenants with amenities like a gym, residential lounge, clubhouse, and a courtyard equipped with BBQ areas and fire pits.
Construction materials make this project a standout in the multi-family market. The team opted for mass timber construction over a concrete podium. CLT, along with glulam beams, are used for the floor slabs and roof structures.
Comfortable navigating code variances, the team integrated two uncommon applications. First, an alternate variance allowed CLT to be used as the seismic diaphragm. Second, unique connections and clever use of 5-ply CLT panels create a system that meets the structure’s fire code provisions while maximizing exposed timber elements. Our team was instrumental in helping the city and project team adopt and implement these unique solutions.
Non-stacking conditions and double-height spaces in the lobby and amenity areas complicated the design. Our team demonstrated dexterity, generating impressive 35-ft timber framed clear spans that support three to four levels above.
Pre-fabricated panels fit on arrival because of extensive 3D modeling and coordination with the manufacturing team based in Austria. All joints were precut to exceptionally low tolerances, enabling the crew to install an entire floor (30,000 SF) in just three days!
A generous setback with landscaping creates a pedestrian-friendly transition to adjacent residential properties. Walk-up entries and patios embrace the natural grade of the slope and the scale of the surrounding neighborhood.
Photography ©Aaron Locke