Located in the heart of Seattle’s biotech community in South Lake Union, this incubator was formed to provide facilities for start-up research groups exploring the leading edge of biotechnology research. Stock & Associates was enlisted to design a 17,800 square foot laboratory facility that could offer state-of-the-art laboratories to a variety of potential users that would also benefit from sharing common areas such as conference rooms, lunchroom, reception, and copy/mail areas. The owners wanted the working environment to reflect the highly creative nature of this business, as well as be a comfortable and engaging place to work. The entry to the space includes a continuation of the flooring materials from the building lobby and floor-to-ceiling glass walls at its perimeter, which allows the tenant space to borrow light and the illusion of space from the adjacent building lobby atrium. In the reception area layered planes of materials such as metal, glass, wood, resin, and stone create simple but dynamic forms. Individual laboratories feature an array of services for water, gas, air handling and security as well as auxiliary spaces that are designed to be flexible to accommodate the different needs of the tenants. The furniture and finishes were chosen to complete the clean but warm environment and careful attention was given to ergonomic comfort. The project successfully met the owner’s expectation of good design at a good value.

Sam Van Fleet Photography