The Lanterman

The Design Concept

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The design of the building draws inspiration from the boat slips of the nearby Ship Canal, just a block away. Emulating the form and rhythm of these structures, the building is conceptualized as slipping masses—a series of distinct, overlapping slices. Each slice varies in size, shape, and significance, with unique materials accentuating their individuality. Despite these differences, the building achieves a cohesive appearance through uniform fenestration patterns and materials that underscore the massing design.

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Faced with a steeply sloped site and strict zoning regulations, our design team had to think outside the box. The terrain drops a dramatic 24 feet from one side to the other, which posed a real puzzle in terms of layout and access.

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To fit within the landscape and local regulations, we crafted a building that steps down the hill, with each segment designed to both mesh with the neighborhood's look and feel while making the most of the challenging topography. Our creative solutions included a terraced design that offers every unit a great view and easy access, despite the steep slope.  We also included a prominent entryway beacon and a large courtyard that leads into a welcoming lobby, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. The parking is discreetly placed off the alley, while bike storage is easily accessible from the lobby, which is next to a large public amenity space for residents to enjoy.

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This multi-family residential development in North Queen Anne is part of a neighborhood currently in transition from older low-rise apartments and single-family residences to a denser array of multi-family developments. Designed to meet the need for multi-family housing, especially for those looking to be near Seattle Pacific University, the new Built-Green apartment building adds 70 units to the neighborhood in three stories over a basement level.

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Intended to create a vibrant pedestrian experience, the design situates a lobby and courtyard in a prominent location in the center of the building off Nickerson Street and ground floor units connect directly to the street frontage.

With community at the heart of our design, the building features ample public spaces for residents to gather, and street-level units are tucked away for privacy, all designed with carefully-selected materials that echo the local style.

The massing of the building steps back from the street to break up the structure and blend with the surrounding neighborhood while providing outdoor amenity space for the residents including multiple levels of green roof space. Surface parking is provided at the rear of the building to maintain the direct street connection and human scale for both residents and passersby on the sidewalk.