Case Study

Federal Center South
Seattle, Washington

ZGF Architecture

Sellen Construction

United States General Services Administration (US-GSA)

Design Assistance Cost Estimating, Engineering, Detailing and Construction

DeaMor Structurally Glazed Glass Skylights – “Blast Skylight System” and Entry Canopy System

The owner wanted a new home for the Army Corps of Engineers that would be a welcoming and functional place to work. Because it is a Federal facility, it also needed to meet a stringent blast loading requirement. The design team came up with a beautiful radiused core that reflected the adjacent Oxbow River terrain and wanted to cover it with a glass roof. Design considerations included blast loading, energy requirements for heating and cooling, controlled lighting and of course, waterproof performance with the lowest possible maintenance.

DeaMor came into the mix with two skylight approaches, one transparent and one translucent. We designed a system that set the desired layout, supported by a fairly minimal steel structure, spanning 37-feet on slope by 480-feet long around the radius. The team selected the transparent glass skylight, and we worked with Sellen and ZGF to create a custom fully flush glazed system that would meet the loading requirements and the budget.

This Design Build team was made up of consummate professionals, and the process was interactive and collaborative from design to completion. The space is bright and open, bringing outdoors inside with large rough-hewn recycled timbers, living trees and a meandering stream, walking bridges on several levels that give the people access to the full environment. Federal Center South is an iconic NW structure, filled with natural light through the DeaMor glass roof.

"Top notch first rate great job."
Rich Olender, Project Superintendent

"Outstanding, the easiest subcontractor on the project."
Jim Kesl, Project Engineer

"Great partner to have on a design build project. Helped the team develop the right solution for the project that fit the available budget."
Jack Avery, Preconstruction Manager