The Terry Thomas

The Terry Thomas was designed to provide a healthy and creative work environment and to illustrate the possibilities of sustainable design. The project was driven by a tenant looking for space to accommodate their expanding architectural practice. This firm wanted to remain in the same neighborhood yet in a building that would serve as an example of their commitment to sustainable design. The building is a redevelopment of an urban site in the emerging South Lake Union neighborhood. This mixed-use neighborhood, formerly a light industrial zone, includes parks, multi-family residences, offices and light industrial buildings. Located along a new streetcar line, the location is well served by a variety of transportation options and is within walking distance of numerous amenities. Project goals included development of a LEED designated office building free of mechanical ventilation and air conditioning, built within a typical speculative budget, incorporateing practical and transferable sustainable design strategies. Energy and material efficiency as well as a place specific building response guided design decisions. Design strategies include; shallow floor plates and operable windows that wrap around a central open air courtyard to promote natural ventilation; a variety of façade treatments address site orientation; floor to ceiling glass at optimized floor height to depth ratios combined with open floor plans to maximize daylight harvesting; and neighborhood connection by blurring the line between public and private open space. Relying on sensible site specific design, strategic building form, and an overlay of technology, The Terry Thomas is a working laboratory of sustainable strategies that responds to our temperate Pacific Northwest climate.