Continental Place Condo

Located near Seattle’s Pike Place market and the new waterfront in the heart of downtown Seattle, this two-story condominium renovation modernizes an outdated 1980s interior. The owners goals included the creation of a more open, generous design that embraces expansive, wrapping views spanning from Mount Rainier to the Space Needle. The owners sought a beautiful, calm and well designed environment. The dated interiors were removed completely and a primary bedroom, two offices, two bathrooms, a new expanded entry and central stair and gracious living, dining and kitchen spaces were incorporated. 

Rather than obscuring the unique architectural character of the concrete building in favor of more conventional interiors, the renovation celebrates its distinctive construction. The prominent boardform concrete structural frame serves as a foundational design element for the project. In collaboration with the client, a warm, natural palette of materials and textures were selected to complement the existing raw concrete surfaces. The overall concept enhances the existing architecture by establishing a deliberate contrast between

condominium, the stunning 180-degree views high above Seattle’s downtowncore, waterfront and world’s fair Center, were celebrated with new deep cushioned window seats on both levels, encouraging resting, reading and engagement with the city and water beyond.  The original multi-level residence was connected by a dark, enclosed staircase, which has been replaced with a dramatic floating accent stair. The expressed wood and tile stair provides a striking entry experience, creating a dynamic visual tension with the solidity and grounded nature of the concrete core. The walls around the stair were clad in Shou Sugi Ban (charred, stained) wood siding, acting as a reflection of the original forms used to cast the concrete structure.

In the design, many technical and design challenges were answered by Rhodes Architecture + Light in collaboration with the owners. Managing and designing new framing, acoustical treatments, finishes, cabinetry, recessed, linear, task and focal lighting, hvac and air treatment, the removal of an ancient hydronic heating system and extensive low-voltage controls, we ensured that the new condominium would be state-of-the-art and meet the requirements of the building home-owner’s-association.

Fundamentally, this contemporary renovation stands as a peaceful counterpoint to the noise and energy of the city streets below, offering a tranquil sanctuary high in the clouds.

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