RAY APARTMENTS Project Information Lot Size: 31,450 SF Building Size: 132,740 SF Location: Seattle, WA Project Type: Residential Multifamily
RAY APARTMENTS Project Narrative The Ray is named for its vibrant color palette and the interplay of light and shadow conceived to draw together the edges of two separate neighborhoods, planting the seed that will germinate a new hub for urban living. Sited in an area formerly characterized by light industry on an arterial street with few pedestrians and fast moving vehicular traffic, the Ray is designed to catch the eye, draw people in and slow the pace. To realize the project s potential for great social transformation, the architect worked collaboratively with the City and the Design Review Board to create an engaging new pedestrian experience with opportunities for interaction, respite and diversion. An inviting public plaza fully accessible from the street animates the building. Incorporating dog-friendly amenities, clustered seating areas and a countertop, set into the railing, the plaza provides an enjoyable outdoor experience for people who do not typically have easy access to a back yard or garden patio. At its center, a glass pavilion, a three dimensional representation of the Ray s color and illumination concept provides a focal point for the plaza s energy. Gentle slopes and wide staircases ensure the patio and commercial businesses are fully accessible from the sidewalk, transforming the streetside experience by enticing pedestrians, cyclists and passers-by to slow, explore and linger. The Ray s materials speak to the cultural importance of art and industry in this neighborhood. Dynamic, tactile panels of variously corrugated metal complement colorful geometric panels. The juxtaposition of artistic and industrial elements builds an interesting sense of place as light plays with shadow and bright pops against dark. In whimsical contrast to the building s precise geometry a locally-wrought iron railing winds fluidly around the public plaza. The concept of color and light also infuses the building interiors. Large, operable windows bring in abundant natural light. Each floor is distinguished by its own theme and color scheme en-couraging residents to relax, play, eat and spend time together. The jewel in the crown of the extensive organic rooftop garden, filled with edible berries, is the striking glass Orangery with its orange, lemon and lime trees; rounding out the building s sensual experience with the sense of taste. The Ray s bright presence anchors the building firmly to its new space between established neighborhoods. Relieving the building s horizontal flow a vertical tower of glass illuminates the night, rising from grade up to the rooftop Orangery, a beacon of light that draws people towards it.
Level 1 Floor Plan The Stone Way North arterial is rapidly shifting from industrial / commercial uses, to retail, restaurant, and residential. Anchored by retail shops at the base, this mixed use development enhances opportunities for safe, pedestrian-friendly environment, creating a sense of place in the neighborhood, and providing a diverse mixture of dwelling opportunities and amenities.
A tower of curtain wall-enclosed amenity room s serves as a light filled building element providing space for activities not typically provided in today s smaller apartment units. These rooms include an entertainer s kitchen, a reading lounge, a game room and at the top, an orangery; a scent and light filled greenhouse for growing citrus.
The interior design draws on the concept of light and color. The project amenities start on the first floor and include an exercise room, a bike repair and storage room and an engaging meet and greet spot. Community Lobby
A diverse variety of light-filled dwellings are offered. The units feature quartz countertops, porcelain backsplashes, and clean modern cabinetry.
The interior units have abundant natural light due to the window size and unit depth, creating a highly desirable living environment for the tenants.
Citrus plants are blooming in the Orangerie with sweeping views of Seattle.
Outside the orangery, the roof top BBQ areas are connected by gardens featuring you pick eating with strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, all surrounded by views of Lake Union and the downtown skyline beyond. A secluded roof garden spot is outfitted for late night movies as well as peaceful daytime reading nooks.
The central public courtyard has a strong diagonal walk, with contrasting color which draws guests into the residential lobby or pub patio. Shining out of the patio is an inviting glass jewel box pavilion.
Retail spaces open onto pleasant outdoor patios designed to engage and draw in the passersby.
The Ray is now a bright spot at the north end of Lake Union. The project is an example of thoughtful residential density that brings street-activating design to a formerly industrial brownfield site. Using color, cohesive programming and smoothly executed architecture, Ray is a neighborhood-enhancing project in a fast-changing area of Seattle.