Bloomside

Core Design Team

Firm: SMR Architects

Megan Espinoza (Project Manager/Associate)
Emily Darling (Architectural Staff),
Scott Starr, AIA (Principal)
Dee Knoff (Architectural Staff)

Consultants/Collaborators

Architect: SMR Architects
Contractor: Absher Construction
Civil Engineer: KPFF
Landscape Architect: Fazio Associates, Inc.
Structural Engineer: Atlas Design Group
M/E/P Engineering: Sider + Byers Associates, Inc.
Geotechnical Engineer: Geotech Consultants, Inc.
Street Lighting Engineer: Transpo Group
Sound Consultant: SSA Acoustics

Project Narrative

DESC is a national leader in Housing First, providing housing to individuals at risk with on-site services to help residents remain in long-term housing. Bloomside was part of the City of Burien’s Affordable Housing Demonstration Program, and the development features 95 studio units of permanent supportive housing with supportive services and indoor/outdoor community spaces for single adults who are disabled and formerly homeless.

BUILDING INSPIRATION
Bloomside integrates innovative, cost-effective materials to create a welcoming environment. The design incorporates durable finishes that withstand heavy use while maintaining a home-like atmosphere. Large windows and open community spaces draw people in, fostering a sense of belonging. The thoughtful layout of indoor and outdoor gathering areas encourages social interaction, crucial for combating isolation often experienced by those who have faced long-term homelessness. The design of common areas incorporates trauma-informed principles, creating environments where residents can comfortably observe building activities without pressure to participate. These spaces facilitate natural interactions with support staff and utilize soothing color schemes to aid navigation. The layout emphasizes visual connectivity between various interior areas and the courtyard, promoting a sense of openness and security.

BUILDING INTEGRATION
As DESC’s first development outside Seattle, Bloomside carefully considers its location within downtown Burien. The building’s scale and design complement the surrounding neighborhood while addressing the critical need for supportive housing. Its location ensures accessibility to urban amenities and provides a more relaxed environment compared to Seattle’s core, benefiting residents as they work towards stability and community reintegration.

Bloomside stands out for its distinctive features, most notably, the building’s bright colors and expansive floral mural adorning the building’s west side. DESC partnered with a local company, Overall Creative, which provided consultation during a competitive RFQ process for the artwork. After an evaluation process, DESC awarded the mural commission to Angelina Villalobos, an artist who resides in Burien. Villalobos’ design stood out for its bold use of color, intricate floral patterns, and seamless integration with the building’s architecture. Her local roots and understanding of the community’s character were evident in the mural’s composition, which draws inspiration from the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest while incorporating elements of the local farmer’s market a few blocks away. The 1,800-sq.-ft. mural was applied to Hardie panel and is the inspiration for the building’s name.

The artistic vision for Bloomside extends beyond the mural. Visitors approaching the building from the north and east sides are greeted by another captivating installation at the front entrance which was printed onto exterior aluminum ALTO panels in lieu of siding. This secondary mural, depicting a stylized cityscape, also was commissioned through an RFQ process. Artist Clare Johnson was selected for this entry mural, and their design perfectly balances and enhances the overall aesthetic of the building. Johnson’s cityscape serves as a perfect counterpoint to Villalobos’ mural, representing the harmony between urban development and natural beauty that Bloomside embodies in addition to referencing key elements in DESC’s organizational history and what it means to call a place home.

The artists refined their designs through a collaborative approach involving regular engagement through bi-weekly meetings with DESC as well as presenting their evolving concepts to the Burien Arts Commission to ensure their visions aligned with community expectations and project goals. These unique artistic touches contribute to Bloomside’s distinctive character and visual appeal. The integration of public art into the project served a dual purpose: it not only ensured compliance with local land-use regulations but also effectively addressed and alleviated various concerns raised by community members. This artistic element became a crucial component in both meeting legal requirements and fostering positive relations with the neighborhood.

ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY
Bloomside demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship through energy-efficient systems and sustainable materials. The design maximizes natural light and ventilation, reducing energy consumption. Outdoor spaces incorporate native landscaping, minimizing water usage and supporting local ecosystems. The site employs a comprehensive stormwater management system that ensures all runoff undergoes thorough treatment before leaving the property. This purified water is then channeled directly into a nearby stream, which serves as a critical habitat for salmon populations. These features not only reduce the building’s environmental impact but also create a healthier environment for residents.

The building is equipped with an advanced plumbing management system, featuring strategically placed sensors and automated shut-off mechanisms. This sophisticated infrastructure allows for remote monitoring and control of water flow to individual units, significantly mitigating the risk of water-related damage throughout the structure.