CHILDREN’S GARDEN COOKERY – Spring 2014

Site

Denny Woo Community Gardens
620 South Main Street
Seattle, WA

Client

Interim Community Development Association (ICDA) is a community based nonprofit organization dedicated to the stabilization and revitalization of Seattle’s International District neighborhood without displacement and gentrification. ICDA’s work has focused on community development and advocacy in the International District on behalf of the elderly, low income and minority residents and the nurturing of the International District as the cultural focus for the larger Asian/Pacific community.

Project Description

The Danny Woo Children’s Garden Cookery introduces nearby urban youth to the joys of spending time outdoors. InterIm provides a farm-to-table educational experience that highlights sustainable gardening practices and the cultural roots of our elder gardeners.

-Enclosed and lockable cookery
-Covered outdoor seating
-40 LF of countertops
-30 LF of shelving
-Harvest sink
-Built-in dish drying racks
-Built-in pantry
-Space for a 4 burner stove
-Space for portable whiteboard
-space for portable tables & chairs
-Rain garden

The Design/Build Studio’s design included an enclosed cookery that could be transformed into a covered gathering space. The design utilized an awning to maintain security and still provide shelter. The operable awning system included shop fabricated locking mechanism and counterweighted door panels as well as powder coated steel shear panels provide structural stability and evoke natural elements of the garden. A great deal of focus was given to the materials, construction detailing, interior, and the user needs in order to create a functional, sophisticated, and playful design.

In addition to learning building techniques, this project allowed the students to be exposed to the responsibilities of client presentations, project design, material take-offs, budget, and scheduling. The structure was then pre-fabricated and assembled at the University of Washington’s Community Design Building. The process solved installment issues and ensured the structural integrity of the final design.