Runberg Architecture Group was honored at NAIOP Night of the Stars for its design work on Odin Apartments in Ballard
SEATTLE (Nov. 17, 2016) – Runberg Architecture Group, a Seattle-based firm specializing in urban mixed-use, housing and adaptive reuse projects, has been awarded Multi-Family Development of the Year for itsOdin Apartments project in Ballard at the NAIOP Night of the Stars ceremony.
NAIOP Washington State Chapter’s Night of the Stars Awards Program, which took place on Nov. 4, is an annual black tie gala dedicated to recognizing exceptional individuals and companies in the real estate developments and activities industry. Odin Apartments was chosen from ten finalists for the Multi-Family Development of the Year.
“We’re honored to receive this prestigious industry award on behalf of Odin Apartments,” said the firm’s founding principal and partner, Brian Runberg, AIA. “As with all of our projects, we pride ourselves on listening to the community, recognizing each neighborhood’s unique heritage and cultural identity and weaving these elements into the new built environment.”
The 303-unit Odin Apartments project is located in Seattle’s resurgent Ballard neighborhood, a waterside community influenced by Nordic settlers and the timber and maritime industries. Named for the chief god and All-father of Norse mythology, Odin’s “Nordic sensibility translates throughout the building,” according to Runberg’s award submission.
“The Runberg team took great care to emphasize the rich Nordic history of Ballard and went out of their way to incorporate neighborhood input, resulting in a design that reflects the strong identity of the community,” said Bradley Karvasek from Equity Residential, the owner and developer of Odin Apartments.
To respond to this historic and cultural context, the building mass floats on a traditional Scandinavian white brick base in contrast with the courtyard’s translucent green hues. The birch trees and expansive windows at Odin allow natural light to saturate interiors.
The material palate interweaves timber and maritime influences, from the exterior cladding down to the interior finishes. Other dynamic expressions at Odin include an etched Viking ship, communal fire pits and lobby lighting emulating the aura borealis.
Extensive amenities and a Walk Score of 98 give residents everything they need within a one-mile radius.
Two other projects designed by the Runberg team were recognized at the awards ceremony. JUXT Apartments, developed by Holland Partner Group, was also a finalist for Multi-Family Development of the Year and The Wolff Company’s 8th + Republican was a finalist for Mixed-Use Development of the Year.
“It’s a tremendous honor to receive this recognition for three projects designed for three different clients in three unique neighborhoods,” Runberg said.
This NAIOP Multi-Family Development of the Year award for Odin Apartments is the sixth award Runberg Architecture Group has received in 2016. A few of their current projects include Block 11, a 7-story, 384-unit mixed-use project in Seattle’s burgeoning South Lake Union neighborhood, and Batik, a half block mixed-use project in Yesler Terrace.
About Runberg Architecture Group
Since its founding in 1998, Runberg Architecture Group has earned a name for thoughtful architectural design that balances the unique social, economic and environmental interests of each project. Runberg designs sustainable mixed-use urban environments where people want to be – vibrant, engaging places that create high and enduring value for its clients and communities. The firm understands that quality of life is highest in places where social, economic and environmental interests are in harmony. Runberg’s mission is to design places that achieve this harmony for its clients and communities by honoring the distinct needs and opportunities of each project.
