SKYGLASS APARTMENTS
Skyglass is located in Seattle's South Lake Union, one of the fastest-growing commercial districts. Rising in the heart of this vibrant area is a newly completed 33-story mixed-use residential tower. Designed by Julia Nagele of HEWITT, Skyglass is expressed through two core principles. The skyscraper responds to the street scene at a human scale while establishing visual connections to the broader context, including Elliott Bay, the Cascade Mountains, and Lake Union. The tower’s base is anchored by tactile, earthy materials that contrast with the dynamic, reflective glass facade of the upper tower, which shifts and transforms, mirroring the movement of the sun and clouds across the sky, creating a fleeting and ever-changing visual experience.
The form of the Skyglass tower originates from a commitment to optimize space, resonate well with residents, and provide tangible value to the owner. Each floor plate is regularly micro-shifted. Due to the mobility of the floor plates, their areas fluctuate between 100 and 320 square feet. Floor-to-ceiling glazing facing the street or sky increases the exposure of natural light, addressing the climate considerations of the northwest. The subtly tilted facades impart a unique spatial expression, cleverly evoking the common association with attic apartments.
"Approximately 70%～ 80% of tall building heights worldwide come from high-rises under 100 meters (not skyscrapers) and residential towers (not office supertall towers). Many skylines may appear more prominent internationally than they actually are once all tall buildings and core regulations are included. However, monotonous skylines filled with high-rise residential buildings are more common than we might expect." - Jason Barr and Remi Jedwab
In the context of rapid global development, effectively addressing issues such as climate change, rising social inequality, and affordability for urban residents requires prioritizing everyday friendly places as a crucial element. Within a broader urban environment, simply adding space does not automatically translate into places that successfully attract, satisfy, or capture individual needs. Planning, policymaking, and technological best practices are the most important keys. Skyglass aims to connect with urban dwellers on a deeper level by creating spaces that evoke a sense of belonging and inspiration. These places must go beyond functionality; merely creating space is not enough—we must add ambiance to the spaces we create, making them places where people desire to stay.
Structural Engineer | KPFF
Landscape Architect | Hewitt Landscape Architects
Building Height | 335' (102 meters)
Units | 338
Gross Square Feet | 350,000
Common Residential Amenity Area | 15,728 Square Feet
Sustainability Certification | LEED Gold for Homes v.4
