Peak Tweak

Puyallup, WA

Beginning with a basic concept of two rows of three townhomes facing onto an entry court, we refined the design of this six-unit Missing Middle infill housing project in several steps. First, we determined that a peaked roof strategy employing scissor trusses would provide an opportunity to satisfy design regulations, economize construction, improve energy efficiency, and achieve an impactful design. This felt like a solid start to a resource-efficient and exciting design. We then related the design of the ground plane to this rhythm of peaks and valleys at the roofline, adding pathways that weave through landscape and connect to carved out entry porches. Five sets of physical models were produced to test variations in building shape and understand the effect on the entry court experience and constructability. The successive model iterations layered in materiality and color until the final design was achieved.

The playful and colorful exterior expression belies a strict adherence to a 24” module for the design of the structure and openings. Conventional wall framing has studs spaced every 16 inches, but our discipline with the building layout sets up this project to utilize Advanced Framing, with studs every 24 inches. Reducing the amount of wood in the wall not only lowers the cost of the lumber package; it also increases the amount of insulation in the wall. Combined with raised-heel roof trusses that allow continuity of the insulation thickness at the roof/wall junction, enhanced air-sealing with a continuous fresh air system, and high-performance windows, this project will be able to achieve energy efficiency and thermal comfort at or near the Passive House standard. Investing in a durable envelope lowers ownership cost over the long term, and the superior comfort, air quality, and natural light in the apartments will retain residents and reduce vacancy.