I am pleased to report that a project of mine is the recipient of of a 2008 CSLA Professional Award of Excellence. The project is located in Seattle and consists of two roofdecks for the downtown headquarters of a major insurance firm.
It was a unique challenge because the building is leased, so there could be no piercing of the roof membrane. In laymen's terms, that means nothing could be permanently affixed to the building. The end result is that all components are removable and can be dismantled like a giant jigsaw puzzle if the company moves.
The south end of the 2nd floor roof, which wraps the building in an L-shape.
The north end of the 2nd floor roof. The large earthen mound on the left side will eventually be covered in sedum and completely green - this photo was taken shortly after construction, before all planting had grown in.
The sitting area at the south end of the 2nd floor roof deck. The red bowl is a water feature - water fills up the bowl, spills down the sides and down through a grating in the deck below the cobble. The earth below the Japanese maples in the back will eventually be fully covered in sedum.
View from the south end of the 2nd floor roof, looking north.
Detail of the water feature, featuring polished black cobble and granite stonework set directly into the deck.
2nd floor roof, looking west towards the earth mound. Sedum seedlings are barely visible at this point. The granite bridge bisects the mound. The mound walls are sheathed in stainless steel. The raised viewing platform in the far corner has excellent views of Seattle harbour.
Details of the roof covering. Three mixtures of recycled tumbled glass, plus polished black cobble, divided by aluminum edging.
East end of the granite bridge on the 2nd floor roof, looking towards the fireplace and screen. The entire deck system is built on massive beams placed directly on the surface of the roof and is held in place by sheer weight.
Detail of the railing and steps to viewing deck at the corner of the 'L' on the 2nd floor roof. Ipe wood and stainless steel cables.
Granite-clad outdoor gas fireplace. The upper mantle is stainless steel, the hearth is solid granite. The overhead beam connects to the screen trellis to the right.
Details of the screen trellis with bench and planters on the 2nd floor roof. Ipe wood, stainless steel cable. The vines will eventually cover the screen for privacy and shade.
8th floor roof. Screen trellis and planters between two decks that are connected by a granite bridge like that on the second floor.
Oh. My. Gosh. I am in awe! That's breathtaking! Congrats - looks well deserved!
I *love* the different colored glass as well as the fireplace. Love the overhead shots too. Damn it, I love the whole thing.
Wow.
Posted by: Aja | April 09, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Thanks so much! It was a fun project to work on - the client was very open-minded to trying new things.
Posted by: leaderofmen | April 09, 2009 at 12:43 PM
Phwoar! This is gorgeous. Nice work my friend!
Posted by: Simone Walsh | April 09, 2009 at 06:58 PM
Just beautiful. The colours are so harmonious and inviting.
Posted by: Peldyn | April 11, 2009 at 09:19 PM
wow, what a fantastic project. great photos, and beautiful work. i found your blog via modish biz tips, i'm in vancouver, too :)
Posted by: lesley | May 01, 2009 at 09:11 AM
The 2nd floor roof looks amazing! I love how you placed the granite bridge. Who thought of the color combination, btw? It has all of my favorite colors! Thank you so much! This is a wonderful inspiration for every enthusiast out there.
Posted by: Nuri Rossignol | November 24, 2011 at 07:48 AM