Kinects Tower is a 41-story, mixed-use tower that is designed to accommodate the lifestyles of those who live and work in downtown Seattle. The building includes six levels of below- and above-grade parking, and the 6-story podium is home to a variety of retail and hospitality outlets. The tower includes upscale finishes with terra-cotta, aluminum panels, and a unique outward-sloping window wall to enhance the residents’ views.

We were retained as the Building Enclosure Consultant by the architect, Bumgardner, to design the enclosure of this challenging building. We provided building enclosure details and specifications for the project, and design direction for the ownership team throughout the design phase.

By working closely with all parties involved in the project, we helped develop a glazing system that is uniquely sloped outward to create a wedge-shaped building. To ensure that the design was viable, we coordinated and witnessed third-party performance mock-up testing of the glazing system off-site and conducted on-site performance testing and field review during construction.

The tower was completed in 2017, and both the residential and commercial spaces are now fully occupied. Located on the edge of downtown Seattle, the building has quickly become a renowned feature of the Denny Triangle neighborhood.

Date:

May 22, 2019

Clients:

Bumgardner, Security Properties

General Contractor:

Andersen Construction

Our Role:

Building Enclosure Consultant

Key Services

Concept Review
Field Review
Testing

Before material and systems selections are finalized, our clients benefit from a review of the building enclosure design strategies at a conceptual level. This review provides an opportunity to reflect upon the performance expectations and fundamental building science strategies behind the selection of appropriate solutions. Experience shows that changes made at the conceptual stage of building enclosure design have far greater cost-to-benefit impact than those made during late design or construction. A typical Concept Review considers the following:

  • Environmental loads
  • Energy performance targets and compliance options
  • Life cycle expectations
  • Constructability, sequencing, and complexity of detailing
  • Structural support
  • Risk Analysis

Kyle Silliker | PE

Principal, Building Science Specialist
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Bailey Brown | MS, PE

Principal, Building Science Specialist
View Bio

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