Elliott Bay House

Visionary Case Studies:

Seattle, Washington

Architects created a stunning modern architectural statement that is clearly influenced by the industrial architecture of Seattle’s warehouse district. The centerpiece is a two-story window wall overlooking Elliott Bay.

The incredible location has a view of the Space Needle and the entire Seattle skyline, so Kolbe created 100 windows and 20 doors to invite every inch of the cityscape into the home. In order to capture as much of the bay as possible, Kolbe created custom 90-degree corner window units to match the windows stacked from floor to ceiling.

To comply with the region’s strict energy codes, the architect searched for a window that could recreate the vintage look of the warehouse district without compromising efficiency. Neither aluminum nor steel-sash windows had U-values that met ENERGY STAR® qualifications. Kolbe’s Ultra Series wood windows with aluminum cladding did. The exterior aluminum cladding gave the windows the increased durability that the fierce wind exposure demanded. The wood construction and authentic divided lite design fused the warmth and charm of a family home with the strength of an industrial, modern appearance.

Building the expansive window wall in the hilltop location demanded a vertical solution, adding a new challenge: high winds. Kolbe responded with a technical solution, creating integral steel reinforcements that minimized structural interruptions and matched the home’s streamlined style.

The homeowners hoped their home would contain sustainable materials that would retain their beautiful appearance for generations, even with minimal maintenance. The exterior fluoropolymer coating in Coal Black enhances the windows’ lifespan, minimizes maintenance, and gives the windows a distinct, dramatic appearance. Kolbe's Ultra Series products include recycled aluminum content in the exterior cladding, which makes them an environmentally-conscious choice. Kolbe craftsmen put hours of thought into the smallest details to satisfy the homeowners’ design goals in a way that created a remarkable mixture of drama and warmth.

The unique use of material and the responsive design of Kolbe windows and doors gave the owners the look they dreamed of and the functionality they required. Most importantly, Kolbe’s technical solutions to the location’s structural challenges helped make the home’s magnificent design possible.

Awards
The Elliott Bay home’s unique design and functional use of material have helped it draw quite a bit of attention. The American Institute of Steel Construction recognized the house for its innovation with an IDEAS2 (Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture) Certificate of Recognition in 2011. It was also featured in American Institute of Architect’s Design for Decades online exhibition in 2010.

Project Partners
Janof Hald Architecture; Architectural firm
Joseph McKinstry Construction Company; General contractor
Classic Window Products; Kolbe window & door dealer

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