Skyglass

The Concept

The genesis of Skyglass’ tower form stemmed from a commitment to optimize space, resonate favorably with occupants, and provide tangible value to the owner. Micro-Shifting floor plates allow for a range of floor areas within the same unit type. Units are conventionally stacked, however, due to the shifting nature of the floor plates, their areas fluctuate between 100-320 square feet. Floor-to-ceiling glazing orientations that face either the street or sky increase the exposure of natural light, a vital consideration in the Pacific Northwest.

The section diagram illustrates the iterative progression of Micro-Shifting floor plates across five distinct positions, commencing with the most compact configuration at “E” and symmetrically expanding both above and below. The tilted facades impart a distinct spatial character subtly reminiscent of attic-level apartments prevalent in historic urban environments.

The Podium

The podium is thought of as an anchor to the block’s corner, providing stability between the undulating tower above and accommodating a diverse streetscape below. Its materials are more tactile and accommodate the street-level, human scale.

Skyglass’ base is composed of human-scale features, merging sitework and building as an interplay of earthy, familiar materials. Brick, wood, and board-formed concrete imprinted with greetings at entries accommodates pedestrians and street life.

The west façade along Dexter Avenue North is where the architectural strategy of Site Pluralism takes center stage. At the sixth level, a subtle recessed gasket serves as the threshold between the two, marking the transition. The podium façades are a contemporary reinterpretation where stack and common bond brick arrangements interact.