Transition to the bathroom is marked by an offset tile and a four-inch step, altering the ground plane. The drapery over the frosted glass bathroom doors is for privacy, but also for the sound of fabric moving across a track.

An inset hickory cutting board on the countertop matches the custom dining table, which is essentially the only furniture besides a low two-seater sofa and armchair.įor a tech CEO whose life is often dominated by the chaotic cyber world, the design of the loft is “meant to knock him into the physical.” Le Whit layered auditory, tactile materials to turn the loft into an “experience,” beyond just a humble abode. The interiors were blanketed in a light, bright palette, whitewashing the brick and using white subway tiles and cabinetry for the kitchen. Le Whit cleared the space of previous renovations, stripping back to the original exposed brick and removing a sheetrock ceiling to reveal dark wooden beams. Contrasting the brightness of the outer palette, the bathroom floors are tiled with black cement and clad in charred timber using the traditional Japanese technique Shou Sugi Ban, which makes the material resistant to fire and mould.Īs is common in Pioneer Square, one of Seattle’s oldest neighbourhoods, the building is historic with a modern interior. The bedroom is located on a mezzanine above, accessed via a built-in ladder. A washroom, shower, toilet, and sauna – yes, a sauna – are housed in an L-shaped white wooden box that fits neatly into a corner. In order to maintain an open plan, space is divided into four compartments that wrap around the living space. The bathroom is the real star of the show, so we’ll start there. Le Whit maintained maximum open space so the loft can morph to accommodate creative processes and elicit a sense of clarity and calm. The client, a Seattle native tech CEO based in New Yor k, wanted the 79sqm space to act as a getaway sanctuary as well as an incubator for personal projects. These include 110 units in Renton, 80 units in Seattle, 99 units in Aurora, 144 units in Redmond, 102 units in Auburn, 80 units in Pioneer Square, 100 units in Federal Way and 131 units in Stone.Designed by Corey Kingston of Le Whit, Pioneer Square Loft in downtown Seattle is an exercise in contrasts, combatting the client’s ephemeral industry with timeless design. To date, the county has purchased nearly 850 units throughout Seattle and its surrounding suburbs. In addition, each of the acquired properties offers case management services, including employment counseling, access to health and behavioral services. The property was acquired through King County’s Healthy Housing Initiative, which pledges to provide 1,600 emergency housing and permanent supportive housing units for people experiencing chronic homelessness by the end of 2022. Canton will produce apartments provide direct access to the vibrant Pioneer Square neighborhood and are within easy walking distance to the central business district,” the property’s website states. “Canton Lofts’ smart design emphasizes affordability and livability, two critical components in providing socially responsible rental housing. The property is also in close proximity to Interstate-5 and near several bus stops. Located in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood, just south of downtown Seattle, the surrounding area is highly walkable with many retail and dining amenities nearby. Modern finishes are carried through the rest of the property as well with community amenities including a rooftop terrace with views of the Elliot Bay. In addition, the building is designed with flexible floorplans to accommodate both a single individual as well as couples.Įach apartment will also include built-in cabinetry, bathrooms with large walk-in tiled showers, modern appliances, quartz countertops and 14-foot ceilings. Washington Street in Seattle, the property was sold to the county by Nitze-Stagen, a Seattle-based real estate investment and development company.Īccording to a landing page for the property on Nitze-Stagen’s website, the 40,000 square-foot property includes 80 lofted apartment units as well as a large multi-purpose ground floor space with retail. In its most recent acquisition, the County paid $32 million, or $400,000 per unit, for the newly built Canton Lofts.

In an effort to support its unhoused population, King County is purchasing hotels, motels and apartment buildings to turn into affordable housing properties.

Loft space pioneer square