Architects: Graham Baba Architects
Area: 10,041 ft²
Year: 2019
Photography: Kevin Scott, Haris Kenjar
Manufacturers: Assa Abloy, Benjamin Moore, Ceco Door, Cor-A-Vent Rainscreen System, Fleetwood, Lynden Door, Milgard, Quantum Windows & Doors, TPO, Wilsonart, thyssenkrupp
Civil Engineer: Sitewise Design
Structural Engineer: Harriott Valentine Engineers, Inc.
General Contractor: Dovetail General Contractors
Geotechnical Engineers: Geotech Consultants Inc.
Design Team: Jim Graham, Susan Tillack, Andy Brown
Owner/Developer: David Milesi
City: Seattle, Washington
Country: United States
The Klotski Building, designed by Graham Baba Architects, is a three-story mixed-use infill project in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood. Completed in 2019, the 10,041 ft² structure accommodates a beer hall, office space, a maker studio, and a caretaker’s apartment. Its design is influenced by the klotski sliding tile puzzle, with perforated metal screens on the facade that adjust for sun control and privacy. The massing incorporates setbacks to create outdoor terraces, while an exposed steel structure and open floor plans define the industrial aesthetic. Sustainable features include rainwater collection, rooftop solar panels, radiant heating, and operable windows for cross-ventilation, maximizing efficiency on the compact 4,300 ft² site.
The Klotski Building, a mixed-use infill development in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, was designed by Graham Baba Architects to integrate commercial, office, and residential spaces within a constrained urban site. The 10,041 ft² structure houses a beer hall, office, maker space, and a caretaker’s apartment, reflecting the neighborhood’s industrial and mixed-use character. The design draws inspiration from the sliding tile puzzle known as a klotski, a concept reflected in the south-facing facade’s 7’x10’ perforated metal screens. These movable panels allow users to adjust for sun shading, privacy, and ventilation, responding to seasonal variations while reinforcing the building’s dynamic composition.
At street level, a setback from the property line creates space for outdoor dining. Large wood-and-glass sliding doors and fixed glazing enhance visibility, connecting interior activities with the street. The upper floors feature setbacks that form outdoor terraces for the studio and apartment, while a steel-wrapped bay window on the second floor extends outward, adding depth and articulation to the facade. Inside, the exposed steel structure, concrete floors, and wood decking contribute to an industrial aesthetic.
The office space features an open floor plan with 17-foot-high ceilings, creating a loft-like environment. A self-contained mezzanine within the second-floor functions as a maker space, accessible via stairwells and an elevator. The top level accommodates a studio and a caretaker’s unit, with roof decks and an interior courtyard enhancing indoor-outdoor connections. On-site covered parking, accessed from the alley, serves both retail visitors and residents.
Sustainability was a core consideration in the design. Rainwater cisterns collect and recycle all on-site rainwater, while rooftop solar panels improve energy efficiency. The building incorporates radiant heating, thermally efficient operable windows on the north and south facades for cross-ventilation, and adjustable sunshades for passive climate control. Given the constraints of the 4,300 ft² lot, the layout was carefully optimized to maximize functional and leasable space.
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Project Location
Address: Ballard, Seattle, Washington, USA
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
