Tacoma - Helix Architecture, based here, was awarded a Silver Medal during the recent convention of the International Academy of Architecture, "InterArch 2003" in Sofia, Bulgaria. Helix Architecture was one of two U.S. firms to win an award in the design exhibition/competition, which included 223 entries from a total of 21 countries

Helix's awarded project, which was designed by Alex Protasevich, included floor plans, elevations, building sections and a computer generated 3-D model for the Children's Theater of Salt Lake in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The project received the award in the category, "Building Projects" for the "Artistry of the Design."

The International Academy of Architecture's convention and competition, held triennially, began in 1981 when a group of French and Bulgarian architects conceived the idea of an international organization where architects from many countries could learn from each other. The educational aspect of the convention gives architects an opportunity to compare how the rules in different countries affect design and architectural practice.

The Eastlake Rounds Out Evolving Neighborhood

Seattle - A new condominium development, The Eastlake, has just completed construction in the pocket neighborhood bordered by Lake Union, the University Bridge and the Ship Canal. Designed by Seattle architecture firm Weber + Thompson, built by Chinn Construction and developed by NCK Properties, this five-level building replaces several long-vacated storefronts and modular offices in a neighborhood that is evolving into a community.

Part of the design process was to create an engaging street-level retail experience with the 250-ft. long street frontage. Designers integrated modulated vertical and horizontal architectural elements, colors, textures and materials to mitigate the impact of the bulk and scale of the building.

The Eastlake is comprised of three sections: a ground level commercial space that runs the length of the building and two residential components separated by a slim court that brings the water views to the east side of the building at every level. The exterior of the building features vertical bay elements clad in granite that connect the retail base of the building with the residential component above. Stepped planters and a ground level water feature emphasize the site's configuration and echo the surrounding waterways.

Woodinville - Sierra Construction is the newest member of King County's "Construction Works" program, earning membership after achieving significant recycling rates during construction of the recently completed Issaquah Highlands Fire Station.

The 11,400-square foot fire station was completed in March 2003, achieving a 94 percent recycling rate that involved project vendors and subcontractors in the recycling and waste prevention effort. In addition, 36 percent of the new building materials used on the project have recycled content, including both exterior and interior elements like metal roofing and rubber flooring. Excavated soils were taken to the nearby Issaquah Highlands and combined with compost for reuse onsite as topsoil.

To qualify for membership in Construction Works, contractors must commit to fulfilling certain recycling and waste-reduction criteria. Members receive benefits including customized technical assistance to set up or increase jobsite recycling and waste reduction programs, public recognition, listing on the Construction Works website, hardhat decals for their crews, and jobsite banners. Members will also receive an automatic nomination for a biennial King County Green Globe Award.

Construction Works is co-sponsored by the King County Solid Waste Division and the Business and Industry Resource Venture, a program of the Greater Seattle Chamber of Commerce and Seattle Public Utilities.

Local Firm Celebrates Merger with SF Company

Seattle architecture firm Anshen + Allen recently merged with San Francisco-based Pacific Architects, an architecture, planning and interior design firm specializing in health care and higher-education facility design. The new firm serves as the Northwest office of Anshen +Allen.

The relationship began two years ago as Anshen + Allen - Pacific, LLC, a joint venture that collaborated with Murase Associates on a master plan for a $100 million new medical campus for Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center in Seattle. The project was not built, but the relationship between the two architectural firms lasted.

The firm has recently completed two new medical center campuses in the United Kingdom and the Philippines. In addition to the PeaceHealth campus in Eugene, three more PeaceHealth projects are in design in Salt Lake City and the San Francisco Bay area.

Whidbey Island - Swinerton Builders Northwest Inc. (Bellevue, Wash.) has been awarded its second design-build construction project for the United States Navy. Currently building the Jackson Park Youth Center at Puget Sound Naval Station in Bremerton, Wash., Swinerton was selected as the general contractor to build a $3.3 million, 15,000-sq.-ft. youth center at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station.

The center will be located at the north end of Wake Avenue in the Rockhill Terrace Housing Area. The facility will include multi-purpose rooms, classrooms, storage, an outdoor sports court, playground, walks, drives and parking facilities.

The project involves demolition; site grading and preparation; site utilities and improvements; and construction

Teaming with Swinerton are the same firms currently working with the contractor on the Jackson Park facility: Jensen/Fey Architecture and Planning, DCI Engineers, SME of Seattle Inc., W.A. Botting Company, Patriot Fire Protection, and Karen Keist/Landscape Architects.

Seattle - The first phase of Welch Plaza, a three-building mixed-use complex at the corner of 23rd Avenue South and S. Jackson Street was completed last month.

The five-story Building C, at the west end of the property, includes 35 apartments and ground level commercial space. The remainder of the project will be completed in January 2004.

Washington Mutual Bank is the first major tenant to lease commercial space and will occupy approximately 2,500 sq. ft. in Building B on the corner of 23rd Avenue and Jackson Street. The new branch is slated to open in the spring of 2004.

Lorig Management Services, the property manager for the project, is also in negotiations with several other commercial tenants.

The 162 apartments include 49 studios, 57 one-bedroom units and 56 two-bedroom units. The secured buildings feature extensive landscaping and two levels of underground parking, and many apartments have soaring ceilings and high windows. With input from the neighborhood, two pieces of art were commissioned and will be installed in public areas of the project.

The project began in 1999 when CADA purchased a portion of the land from the City of Seattle under its Urban Renewal Act. It then expanded to include land under the longstanding Welch Hardware Store via a long-term ground lease with the Welch Family.

DBM Completes Drilled Shaft Foundations

Lynnwood - Seattle-based DBM Contactors Inc. recently completed drilled shaft foundations for the two bridges at the new Lynnwood Park and Ride at 44th Street and Interstate 5. The two structures required a total of 14 drilled shafts ranging in size from 6.5 ft. to 8.5 ft. in dia. and from 37 ft. to 43 ft. deep. The $13 million direct access project is scheduled for completion in 2004.

Other team members who worked on this project were Mowat Construction, general contractor; American Piledriving Equipment, vibratory hammer supplier; Ness Cranes, hoisting; and Ralph's Concrete Pumping.

Redmond Names MulvannyG2 As New City Hall Designer

Redmond - The City of Redmond recently named Bellevue, Wash. architecture firm MulvannyG2 Architecture as the winner of its design competition for the new Redmond City Hall. MulvannyG2 was unanimously selected by the city's selection committee, and 85 percent of the 134 residents and city staff that submitted written comments preferred MulvannyG2's design.

MulvannyG2's design goals for the new Redmond City Hall include creating a building that is a true community gathering place, is a symbol of civic pride for many generations, and represents the City of Redmond for the 21st century.

MulvannyG2 integrated purposeful elements and details into the winning design, including natural building materials such as wood and terra cotta tiles with warm golden colors. A wall of clear glass windows reinforces the connection between exterior and interior, and implies the transparency of the governmental process. The soaring entrance canopy is supported by slender columns inspired by the Northwest's forests. The exterior plaza extends into the indoor atrium that reaches four stories high, greeting visitors with a flood of natural light and dramatic views of the Sammamish River and Trail. The design also incorporates intimate gardens, a large central park and other areas where concerts, social functions, art exhibits, and community gatherings can be enjoyed by the public.

Work on the 100,000-sq.-ft., four-story project begins immediately. The city plans to demolish its existing City Hall and open the new facility by late 2005 or early 2006. When complete, it will feature an office for 300 city employees, public green spaces and amenities, and parking.