June 19, 2019
State projects take home Gold Nugget grand awards
The Sitka apartments were recognized for their innovative energy design. The Vulcan Real Estate project is in South Lake Union.
A number of Washington projects received grand awards in the 2019 Pacific Coast Builders Conference Gold Nugget Awards, which recognizes projects that improve communities through exceptional concepts in design, planning and development.
There were over 600 entries from around the world. The winners are at https://tinyurl.com/y67sqnhu/.
Sitka apartments in Seattle received a grand award for best innovative energy design. The seven-story, 384-unit Vulcan Real Estate project at 1255 Harrison St. was designed by Runberg Architecture Group.
According to a Runberg press release, it uses cutting-edge technology such as a wastewater heat recovery system to make it one of the most sustainable and energy-efficient multifamily buildings in the region. It achieved LEED Platinum certification and is on track to achieve ambitious local 2030 targets including major reductions in water and energy use, the architect said.
Firm principal Brian Runberg said: “Sitka represents a significant milestone in the advancement of innovative sustainable strategies required to achieve this level of efficiency (16 EUI) for market-rate housing in the United States.”
EUI, or energy use intensity, is the measurement of a building’s annual energy consumption relative to its gross square footage.
The team included Exxel Pacific, contractor; Berger Partnership, landscape architect; Lair Design, interior designer; Coughlin Porter Lundeen, structural; KPFF Consulting Engineers, civil; Ecotope Engineers, MEP; and O’Brien & Co., sustainability consultant.
Another Runberg project won for best on the boards multifamily community. Capstone Development is developing the 634-unit Esterra Park Apartments at 2808 Calder Ave. N.E. in Redmond.
Runberg said it transformed the site’s grade into a feature, with the stepping of building massing echoing the natural landforms and patterns in the Sammamish Valley. The project has two courtyards, two rooftop decks and a central mews outside and a co-working space, gym, spa and bike shop inside.
The team includes Exxel Pacific, contractor; Brumbaugh & Associates, landscape architect; Vida Design, interior designer; and Coughlin Porter Lundeen, structural and civil.