February 8, 2021

After being referred by a friend and former client, Magnin Architecture was tasked to design a small cabin/retreat for a single commercial airline pilot based in Seattle, Washington. The goal was to downsize from an existing suburban single-family home to simplify and reduce clutter in a new full-time residence in a rural setting.

Design Goals:
For this new Middle School, the District set out optimistic goals to provide the community a prototype design that is sustainable, safe, flexible, functional, maximizes natural daylight and beats the relative cost per square foot of current trends and those seen in the previous “traditional-schools.” At a time where costs in the area exceed $335.00 per square foot, the District’s budget restraint called for strategic design. A simple arrangement of program components was required to offer ease of construction, transformation for future site adaptability, and ease of wayfinding. Equally important to the District was to evoke imagery for a renewed interest in school pride through quality interiors and architectural identity.

New ownership at the Nakoma Resort needed to address two vital issues for the near- and long-term success of their properties: the need for overnight lodging and the need to draw new interest by providing more recreation and leisure opportunities. Two buildings were conceived: the boutique hotel — Lodge at Nakoma, and the other was a recreation facility — Altitude.

Urban sprawl can cause increased traffic, worsening air and drinking water, threats to groundwater supplies, high rates of polluted runoff, and increased flooding. Urban sprawl also contributes to longer commutes, high costs of services, and neglected city centers. Solution … Infill.