Seattle Bouldering Project

An Elevated Experience

Seattle Bouldering Project, Fremont

Seattle, WA

Exposing a Strong Foundation

This project transforms an existing warehouse into a welcoming community recreation facility. The design celebrates the building’s architectural features, including a barrel vault roof and exposed wood decking, and positions climbing walls to maximize height and open area. Strategic interventions increase visibility into the building, bring in daylight and improve connectivity between levels.

Supporting Diverse Paths

A climber’s journey involves physical challenges and mindful problem solving. Open spaces and climbing walls provide flexibility for route setting and challenges that meet people where they are. With custom-built terrain for all ages and levels, the space removes barriers and offers an inclusive experience for the curious as well as advanced climbers.

Expanding the Climbing Community

In its transformation from storage facility to community amenity, the new climbing gym serves an expanded audience and relieves overcrowding in Seattle Bouldering Project’s other locations. Set in a walkable neighborhood with bike storage and proximity to public transit, the gym offers an accessible, socially and environmentally responsible way to experience climbing.

New slot windows create channels of light to emphasize the dramatic movements of climbing and mimic the changing conditions of shadows on rock faces in the outdoors.

The open climbing gym showcases the warehouse structure’s barrel vault roof and exposed wood decking, and positions climbing walls to maximize height.

A mezzanine overlooking the main level climbing space provides community gathering areas as well as much needed locker, changing, shower and restroom facilities while reserving prime square footage for climbing walls.

The shape and staggered arrangement of climbing features and building elements support both active engagement as well as encourage spectating, two key components of climbing culture.

A newly inserted stair connects between three levels of training to engage and enhance the collective energy of the gym.

The variety of spaces—for climbing, strength training, yoga and social gathering—come together to create a dynamic place for personal growth and a sense of belonging.

The original blank wall of the street façade was opened to showcase activity within and to animate the streetscape during the evening.

An Elevated Experience

Seattle Bouldering Project, Fremont