Pontedera Condominium

Exterior elements include drain-vented metal and fiber-cement siding with store-front and residential windows.

To accommodate cracking in the post-tensioned concrete plaza deck, a substrate-divorced membrane system was used.

The waterproof plaza deck is capped with a variety of paving materials and landscaped areas.

PL:BECS provided detailed, step-by-step installation drawings for critical envelope components.

Seattle, Washington
Client:  Homesight
Dates of Service:  2006-2009

Project Summary:  This condominium, designed by SMR Architects, was developed by HomeSight, a non profit developer of workforce housing for first time homebuyers, to provide affordable for sale housing near Seattle’s urban core, and was built by Rainier Contractors. The large building covers a full city block, and consists of 5 levels of wood-framed units atop a 3-level, post-tensioned concrete base with grade-level live/work studio spaces atop a two-level, sub-grade garage.     

Exterior envelope systems included shot-crete sub-grade walls placed against bentonite waterproofing and drainage mats, various waterproof plaza decks capped with concrete and synthetic-lumber decking as well as vegetation, metal and fiber-cement siding, store-front as well as residential vinyl windows, single-ply PVC roofing, and similar elements.

PL:BECS Services:  PL:BECS assisted the architect throughout the design process in the development of appropriate assemblies for all roofing, waterproofing, cladding, and window systems, detailing of numerous complex exterior junctures, selection of materials, preparation of specifications, and related design-phase services.  For optimum performance, drain-vented cladding assemblies were recommended.  To accommodate cracking resulting from post-tensioned creep of the base structure, a substrate-divorced membrane system was selected for all plaza decks.  PL:BECS also provided specific, step-by-step window installation details designed for maximum water-penetration resistance.

PL:BECS also provided full services throughout the construction phase, including installation observation, product submittal and shop-drawing reviews, window testing, and related services.