Lynden Door Inc.

Klotski

The Klotski is a three-story, mixed-use infill building in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood, an area known for its blend of commercial, manufacturing, and residential uses. Covering 10,041 square feet with a CMU and steel frame, the building houses a beer hall, office, maker space, studio, and a small caretaker’s apartment. Its design draws inspiration from a sliding tile puzzle, or klotski, reflected in the south-facing façade with 7'x10' perforated metal screens that slide for sun shading, privacy, and seasonal daylight adjustments. Set back from the street to create space for outdoor dining, the ground floor features expansive wood-and-glass glazing that connects interior activity with the street. The top floor steps back to provide an outdoor deck for the studio and apartment, while a steel-wrapped bay window projects over the sidewalk on the second floor. Inside, the exposed steel structure, brace frames, concrete floors, and wood decking create a loft-like industrial aesthetic, complemented by seventeen-foot-high ceilings and open floor plans. A mezzanine studio floats within the second floor, with additional studio and caretaker units above, while interior courtyards and generous roof decks provide indoor-outdoor opportunities. Covered on-site parking is accessible via the alley. Sustainable features include rainwater collection and recycling, rooftop solar panels, energy-efficient radiant heating, thermally efficient operable windows for cross ventilation, and exterior sunshades. With a modest 4,300-square-foot lot, the design maximizes every inch of space to optimize usable and leasable areas.