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@cast.arch

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We are a Seattle architecture firm committed to improving the lives of individuals, families, and the community through vibrant and thoughtful design.

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In 1975, a catastrophic double levy failure left Seattle Public Schools facing a financial crisis that forced them to consider massive cuts to basic programming, including kindergarten. In response, a small group of parents formed a private kindergarten. That single class became University Cooperative School.
Originally housed in a rented church basement, in 2002, the school purchased the Maxwell Building in 2002. Built in 1925 as a commercial auto garage, the building has long embodied the eclectic, small scale character of the University District neighborhood.

After 20 years in the building, the school had expanded. It was time to move forward with the master plan to inhabit the entire footprint of the two-story building.

“Our building was made with valuable and long-lasting materials. Its detailing and features, decorative facades, transom windows, terra cotta medallions, and unique glasswork were made with tried-and-true methods of workmanship. It was built to last. Our building anchors the corner on the last stretch of The Ave and has witnessed the aesthetic and cultural history of our city and neighborhood fast disappearing.” (Rise & Shine Campaign Materials)

Rather than relocating or replacing the structure, UCoop embraced a vision of adaptive reuse. Over the past ten years, a series of carefully sequenced renovations allowed the school to remain fully operational throughout construction. The centerpiece of the effort was the seismic retrofit. Upon completion, UCoop became the first school in Seattle to be officially removed from the City’s Unreinforced Masonry list.

Throughout the renovation process, the project team prioritized sustainability and stewardship. The reuse of the existing building conserved embodied energy, reduced construction waste, and preserved a familiar neighborhood landmark that reflects the neighborhood’s historic scale and texture at a time when many older structures face redevelopment pressure. University Cooperative School, a small institution with big preservation values.

Project Team: Cast Architecture, Sellen Construction, Swenson Say Faget, Westlake Consulting Group

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A successful build is shaped long before the finishes go in.
This week’s Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meeting brought the project team together on site to review progress, work through details, and keep the vision aligned with what’s being built.

These conversations are an essential part of the process—bringing the owner, architect, and contractor together in the same space to make decisions in real time and keep the project moving forward.

Proud to be building alongside CAST Architecture.

Good projects are built with craftsmanship. Great projects are built with collaboration.

#CADRE #CustomHome #SeattleConstruction #ResidentialConstruction #DesignBuild

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Working alongside the architect and builder is mandatory when the architectural design is complicated. The fenestration must integrate seamlessly with the overall facade, wall assembly, and the interior/exterior finishes.

We are here to partner alongside you every step of the way to ensure a flawless design, product and execution.

This project is currently in fabrication and we can’t wait to see it come to life on this amazing house.

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One of the greatest joys of home building and remodeling is seeing brilliant design evolve from a concept into a tangible, physical reality. Today we’re sending a huge shoutout to the talented team at Seattle’s own CAST Architecture for this visionary design. We are honored to bring it to fruition. Visit us at the Craftsman Builders website (link in bio) and be sure to check out @cast.arch for more inspiring designs.

#CraftsmanBuilders #CASTArchitecture #CustomHomeBuilding #Architecture #PacificNorthwestDesign

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Thank you to @portgamblesklallams for hosting yesterday’s summit! It was a great time to connect with other groups doing impactful environmental work in our region!

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B U I L D I N G S E A T T L E 🏗️

Another useful tip we talked about in the first episode of our podcast is going with a pre-approved DADu design. This can enable you to get permits in 2-6 weeks for a project.

Comment "DADU" below to learn more 👇

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B U I L D I N G S E A T T L E 🏗️

Adapting to the layout of your current lot is crucial when planning a multi generational or investment development. Depending on layouts you may want to create a more intimate shared courtyard experience or divided depending on the goals of your build. DM Dadu to learn more about your lot!

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B U I L D I N G S E A T T L E 🏗️

The game has changed, that’s why @waltierhomes we are starting a podcast covering all things Seattle RE and development. We’re moving past the era of just cottages and ADUs. We’re talking about density that scales.

In our first episode, we sit down with our first guest, Matt Hutchins - Principal and founder @cast.arch who served as AIA Seattle President 24-25, and is a passive house certified designer just to name a few of his credentials. Matt is extremely involved in Seattle zoning and urban planning. In the podcast we break down some of the massive potential in neighborhood residential zoning:

SFR-> Mixed-use Market + flats above

High-density stacked apartments

Duplexes in backyards of SFR

The blueprint for the new Seattle is here.

Full episode dropping soon available on all platforms. 🎙️

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As gala week arrives, the melody grows.
With heartfelt thanks to our Market Melody Sponsors, whose support helps set the rhythm for Under One Sky. You are helping turn an evening into an experience filled with connection, warmth, and shared joy.
There is still time to join us. Come gather, celebrate, and be part of the music we’re making together.

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2026 Sunset Home & Design Awards: Best Residential Architecture - Magic Mountain

From slopeside cabins to tucked-away alpine retreats, these mountain homes capture the magic of high-elevation living. So inspiring, in fact, they earned a category all their own. Designed for snow, sun, and everything in between, this year’s winners balance resilience with charm, proving that small footprints and thoughtful design can deliver big impact.

These homes embrace the realities of mountain life while elevating it, blending durability, sustainability, and a sense of escape into spaces that feel both cozy and considered.

Meet all the winners in our latest issue—now on newsstands, Apple+, and Sunset.com.

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🏆 Featured:

CAST Architecture | @cast.arch
Johnston Architects | @johnston_architects
Grouparchitect | @grouparch
Jacobs + Interiors | @jacobsinteriorsvibe

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Photos:
Ryland West (2) Andrew Giamarrco (3) Benj Drummond (4) Ryland West (5) Eric Lucero

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Thank you to our amazing team @waltierhomes, @cast.arch for this C A S T-designed DADU and all of our partners who made this project possible. Just finished working on a project and had some time for reflection after handoff. Here’s a few of my personal thoughts and experiences about this build. @waltierhomes took on the challenge of creating a multigenerational living space for this family. The site presented its challenges, with access limited to a narrow staircase on the side of the house being the only access to the buildable envelope. While manageable, it was a consideration for logistics throughout the process. All materials/machines had to go up this narrow staircase which meant the excavator got to play chutes and ladders. The design gets 5 stars, with bold and vibrant elements that made a statement. Particularly standing out to me are the pavers, tight knot pine soffits, and the @bellmontcabinets 1900 in aqua with the quartz backsplash. I hope work on more of these small custom DADUs. Let me know what you guys think of the project and if you have any questions please drop a comment.

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CEDAR COTTAGE just received its Certificate of Occupancy.
This DADU was a blast to bring to life. A fantastic planset from @cast.arch thoughtful design that allowed our team at Waltier Homes to execute at a high level from start to finish.
A few of our favorite specs on this build are the ERV system continuously exchanging + filtering fresh air year-round. The @bellmontcabinets 1900 series painted cabinetry for a soft, welcoming kitchen finish. Rigid exterior foam at walls + roof. Spray foam ceiling with batt insulation below and batt insulation on the exterior walls.
Our team is extremely excited for our clients to welcome their in laws into a high performance home built to last.
#DADU #SeattleBuilder #InfillHousing #HighPerformanceHomes #hvac

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