Seattle, WA — Rapidly escalating construction costs in Seattle have resulted in high volume, low quality market rate housing. 2019 construction costs in Seattle were the sixth highest in the world, averaging $338/SF, and the high cost of construction has led to a proliferation of generic production housing, transforming Seattle into neighborhoods of hermetically sealed hardie-panel faux modern boxes, built of low-cost materials and disconnected from the outdoors. Tsuga Townhomes set out to resolve this paradox of low cost and high quality, working to achieve excellent sustainable design while balancing the construction cost proforma. The 3-unit urban infill project was completed at a cost of $185 per square foot — a 54% reduction in cost from the Seattle average while raising the bar for design and sustainability. Using design to maneuver complicated development restrictions, the project fit three dwellings on a 5,040 square foot site that was designated an environmentally critical area steep slope.
“The jury welcomed this market-rate development’s strong social approach. “It is an excellent strategy for increasing density while respecting the scale of the neighborhood. The design is restrained and well-detailed, and the cost is modest for the Seattle area,” said the AIA 2021 National Housing Awards Jury.
In order to achieve their design goals and cost targets, the architects were their own client- purchasing the land and developing and building the project themselves. They used creative possibilities within a development minded framework for acquiring materials, designing spatial layouts, and detailing. Acting as architect, developer, and contractor, the architects were able to work directly with the fabricators and tradespeople, creating efficiencies and opportunities for more custom and higher quality design and details at a lower price.
Tsuga Townhomes is located at the edge of Seattle’s Highland Park neighborhood, overlooking downtown Seattle and the Duwamish River, the historic home of Chief Seattle and the Duwamish tribes. Local Western Red Hemlock, also known as Tsuga wood, is a historic material used by local Salish people. Woodcraft and detailing using Tsuga screens were incorporated into the interiors. Access to sunlight and connection to nature were guiding design principles, seeking a long-lasting building suited to Seattle’s dark and wet northern climate. The vertical, expression of the duplex and textures of cedar recall both the woodcraft of the Salish tribes and the later heritage of the woodwork of Scandinavian settlers.
““Sustainability strategies were integral to our design, and an important part of making a healthy living environment that also reduces energy use and costs,” said Principal Jody Estes. “Landscape is the great mediator. It facilitates subtle gradations of public and private space, enabling residents to choose when to be seen and when to be private.”
The main house sits along the busy arterial of Highland Park Way, while the duplex is nestled into the hillside and wooded greenbelt along 8th Ave. Both buildings are well connected to place – strategically placed windows focus views in between adjacent buildings and towards trees and nature. The main house is entered through a front porch off the sidewalk on Highland Park Way and the duplex has entries from both the auto court and from a porch the pedestrian access off 8th Ave. This connects the entire site, using the steep slope as connecting device between the two streets. The site plan was composed by careful arrangement of outdoor living spaces, green roofs, and large south facing windows. Green roofs, terraces, and porches create ‘buffer zones’ that filter between privacy and openness. Landscape is used as mediator to allows for subtle gradations of public and private, allowing the residents to choose when to be seen and when to be private.
“As architects, we work to create a synthesis of beauty and function,” said Matt Wittman, AIA Lead AP and Principal. “We also have a responsibility as urban designers to make sure that new infill housing fits well within its neighborhood and is a positive addition to the urban fabric of Seattle. It is an honor to be recognized by AIA National for this multifamily residential project.”
Project Credits
Architect: Wittman Estes
Design Team: Matt Wittman AIA LEED AP, Jody Estes, Naomi Javanifard, Ashton Wesely, Jen Sutherland, Faith Swickard, Julia Frost
Structural Engineer: Joshua Welch Engineering
Builder: Witttman Estes
Photography: Miranda Estes
About Wittman Estes
Wittman Estes is a Seattle based collaboration between architect Matt Wittman and landscape designer Jody Estes, founded on the idea that buildings and landscapes could be combined into one interconnected whole. The office is known for innovative designs for custom residential spaces, energy positive prefab housing, multifamily housing, and their ability to design for sensitive ecological sites. We believe architecture should be based on connecting to nature and experience, and not be about making new shapes and precious objects. Living spaces should be innovative and experimental, but also comfortable and cozy. Housing should be modern and refined, but also have depth and richness of material and detail. Architecture and landscapes should be beautiful and timeless contributions to the cities and geographies they are part of.
