--- title: "Project Showcase: Watershed" description: In the progressive city of Seattle where sustainable design is well established, it’s not always easy for a new building to stand out. image: https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hubfs/Picture2.png --- [![VCN_Hor_RGB.png](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/VCN_Hor_RGB.png?width=320&name=VCN_Hor_RGB.png "VCN_Hor_RGB.png")](https://blog.vitroglazings.com/vcn) # Vitro CertifiedTM Newsletter ### The Vitro Certified Newsletter is a quarterly newsletter for glass fabricators, laminators and window manufacturers within the Vitro Certified Network. For more information about the Vitro Certified Network, visit Vitro Architectural Glass (formerly PPG Glass) at [VitroGlazings.com](http://vitroglazings.com). --- ## Project Showcase: Watershed Posted by [Vitro Architectural Glass](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/author/vitro-architectural-glass) on Dec 9, 2021, 1:01:54 PM - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![bwp watershed1](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/bwp%20watershed1.jpg?width=300&name=bwp%20watershed1.jpg) *Solarban*® 60 glass by Vitro Architectural Glass contributes to 7-story Watershed’s Living Building Challenge petal certification and to meeting Seattle’s Living Building Pilot Program’s stringent requirements, which include using 25% less energy per square foot than a baseline office building. Seattle, Washington | **Owner:** | Hess Callahan Grey Group | | --- | --- | | **Architect:** | Weber Thompson Architects | | **Glass Fabricator:** | Northwestern Industries | | **Glazing Contractor:** | Mission Glass | | **Vitro** **Products:** | Solarban® 60 Glass |   In the progressive city of Seattle where sustainable design is well established, it’s not always easy for a new building to stand out. Seeking to meet that challenge, developer Hess Callahan Grey Group tasked architect Weber Thompson with designing Watershed, a deeply green project that achieved both Living Building Challenge (LBC) petal certification and Seattle’s aggressive Living Building Pilot Program (LBPP) standards. This meant using 25% less energy per square foot, consuming 75% less water than a baseline office building and meeting LBC petal standards for place, materials and beauty. “The stakes were high for Watershed to perform,” recalls Myer Harrell, AIA, LEED AP, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Homes, principal, director of sustainability, principal, Weber Thompson, Seattle. A key strategy was designing an efficient core and shell building envelope. To help create a beautiful structure with enhanced daylight, views and thermal efficiencies, the architects turned to Vitro Architectural Glass. Informed by an Energy Analyst model and input from Vitro Glass, Harrell’s team selected *Solarban*® 60 solar control, low- emissivity (low-e) glass for retail spaces and punched openings throughout the 7-story, 72,000 square-foot building. With a solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC) of 0.39 and visible light transmittance (VLT) of 70% standard one-inch insulating glass unit (IGU), *Solarban*® 60 glass offers an optimized balance of solar heat gain protection, clarity and cost, and contributes to the building’s Energy Use Intensity (EUI) target of 32 (kBTU/sf/year). On the Watershed’s south facade, *Solarban*® 60 glass provides occupants — including those from Weber Thompson, whose offices are situated on the second floor — with stunning views of downtown Seattle, Mt. Rainier, Lake Union and the George Washington Memorial Bridge. On the west side of the building, *Solarban*® 60 glass promotes “people watching” in the Fremont neighborhood through openings averaging of 3½ feet wide and 9 feet high. Complementing the openings, Watershed features lavish outdoor spaces including roof decks, landscaping and an open-air entry lobby designed with a steel hangar door that folds up to become a canopy element.   “All of these outdoor spaces promote health and wellness, chance encounters between building occupants and connection to the elements and seasons,” says Harrell. “This is supported by good glazing — connecting the indoors to outdoors, especially at the retail ground floor, the Troll Avenue entrance and the open-air lobby where these connections can be maintained without sacrificing energy performance.” Another notable design feature is an overhanging, cantilevered roof, which collects rainwater in a 20,000-gallon cistern for grey water use. To comply with the Living Building Materials Petal, the architect selected red-list free materials. Locally sourced and fabricated steel and concrete were used for the structural system. Western red cedar accents stained with non-toxic LifeTime Wood Treatment at the main entries, soffits and canopies blend in well with the glazing, creating a visual cue to the local region’s rich lumber heritage, relates Cody Lodi, AIA, LEED AP, principal, Weber Thompson. By earning LBPP certification from the city of Seattle, Watershed was permitted to increase the floor space in the building by 15%, enhancing the project’s economic feasibility by creating more rentable space. Other sustainable design elements include the use of salvaged and recycled materials, building-integrated photovoltaics and a variable refrigerant flow HVAC system with a dedicated outdoor air system for energy efficiencies and enhanced air quality. The building also features operable awning windows, energy and water building performance dashboards, and educational signage. “In a city that cares deeply about sustainability, Watershed sets the standard for green building design and development.” states building owner, the Hess Callahan Grey Group. “It creates immediate value for tenants and the surrounding neighborhood.” For more information about *Solarban*® 60 glass and the rest of Vitro Glass’s full line of architectural glasses, visit [www.vitroglazings.com](http://www.vitroglazings.com/) or call 1-855-VTRO-GLS (887-6457).       #### Newsletter Archive:  - [June 2026](https://info.vitroglazings.com/a-trusted-and-proven-partnership-2) - Project Showcase: Hillman Library, Pittsburgh, PA - Technical Forum: *EcoArmor*™ Protective Topcoat  - Get to Know Vitro: Meet Johnny Lorigan - [March 2026](https://info.vitroglazings.com/a-toast-to-25-years) - Project Showcase: Lincoln Yards, Chicago, IL - Technical Forum: *Vitro Certified*® Network Online Training Resources - Get to Know Vitro: Honoring Women’s History Month - [December 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-drives-meaningful-progress-1) - Project Showcase: Nashville Airport Hilton, Nashville, TN - Technical Forum: The Growing Role of Glass Reflectivity in Buildings - Get to Know Vitro: New Roles for Chris Fronsoe and Trevor Hall - [October 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-drives-meaningful-progress) - Project Showcase: 700 Santana Row, San Jose, California - Technical Forum: *BirdSmart*® Bird Safe Glass Research & Testing - Get to Know Vitro: Logan Tautkus-Berry - [June 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/were-a-glass-half-full-kind-of-company) - Project Showcase: FirstHealth Cancer Center - Technical Forum: FramingFactor™ - Get to Know Vitro: Ben Rider - [March 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/2025-has-already-taken-off) - Project Showcase: National Aviary, Pittsburgh, PA - Technical Forum: Bird Safe Glass Advancements and Trends - Get to Know Vitro: Dan Plotnick - [January 2025](https://info.vitroglazings.com/2024-was-a-certified-success-for-vitro-architectural-glass) - Project Showcase: Hugel Welcome Center (Lafayette College) - Technical Forum: Center of Glass vs. Framing Performance - Get to Know Vitro: Patrick (PJ) Campbell - [September 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-certified-network-members-q3-check-in-1) - Project Showcase: RIDC Mill 19 - Technical Forum: Methods for Improving U‑Value - Get to Know Vitro: Larry Withrow - [July 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/second-quarterly-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: Amazon HQ2 - Technical Forum: Sustainability Certifications - Get to Know Vitro: Patty Fisher - [March 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/first-quarter-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: UC San Diego Torrey Pines Living & Learning Neighborhood - Technical Forum: Condensation - Get to Know Vitro: Fernando Diez - [January 2024](https://info.vitroglazings.com/first-quarterly-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: BancFirst Tower  - Technical Forum: Embodied Carbon  - Get to Know Vitro: Meet Erin Casci  - [October 2023](https://info.vitroglazings.com/q3-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members-1) - Project Showcase: Hanna Gabriel Wells Architects  - Technical Forum: Pros and Cons of Gas-Filled IGUs  - Get to Know Vitro: Bill Davis  - [June 2023](https://info.vitroglazings.com/q2-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: Pittsburgh Produce Terminal  - Technical Forum: Framing and Performance Values  - Get to Know Vitro: Chris Fronsoe  - [April 2023](https://info.vitroglazings.com/q1-2023-update-for-vitro-certified-members) - Project Showcase: Pikes Peak Summit House  - Technical Forum: Color Rendering Index  - Get to Know Vitro: Heather Brion  - [December 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/fourth-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members-2022) -  Project Showcase: 345 4th Street  - Technical Forum: Vacuum Insulating Glass FAQs  - Get to Know Vitro: Andre Kenstowicz  - [September 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/third-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: 70 Rainey  - Technical Forum: Codes & Climate Zones  - Get to Know Vitro: Dan Sutton  - [July 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/second-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: Moody Center - Technical Forum: *Titan* oversized glass - Get to Know Vitro: Annissa Flickinger  - [March 2022](https://info.vitroglazings.com/first-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members) - Project Showcase: KOI Sky Residences  - Technical Forum: Embodied Carbon  - Get to Know Vitro: Mike Hammond  - [December 2021](https://info.vitroglazings.com/fourth-quarter-update-for-vitro-certified-network-members?hs_preview=wuFvkqXz-68122100225) - Project Showcase: Watershed  - Technical Forum: *Vitro Certified*™ Network Professional Training Modules  - Get to Know Vitro: Adam Polcyn  - [October 2021](https://info.vitroglazings.com/committing-to-innovating-sustainably) - Project Showcase: Congress Square  - Technical Forum: *VacuMax*™ Vacuum Insulating Glass (VIG)  - Get to Know Vitro: Nathan McKenna  - [June 2021](https://1977288.hubspotpreview-na1.com/_hcms/preview/content/48387080968?portalId=1977288&_preview=true&cacheBust=0&preview_key=bfZWBlMX&from_buffer=false) - Project Showcase: McMaster University  - Technical Forum: BIPV Q&A - Get to Know Your New Sample Order Website - Get to Know Vitro: Lauren Black, Ph.D.    - [March 2021](https://info.vitroglazings.com/new-product-update-and-more) - Project Showcase: HOPE Tower  - Technical Forum: Glass Options for School Safety  - Get to Know Vitro: Emily Losego  - [November 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/innovation-and-our-people) - Project Showcase: Old Chicago Post Office  - Technical Forum: Keys to Diagnosing Glass Breakage  - Get to Know Vitro: Steve Marino  - [August 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-vcn-september-1-2020) - Technical Forum: Bird-Safe Buildings Act Closer to Law  - Project Showcase: Rolex Tower  - Get to Know Vitro: Martin Bracamonte  - [May 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/here-for-each-other) - Decontaminating Glass Surfaces  - Personnel Training Series  - Contactless Bills of Lading (BOL) Now Available  - [January 2020](https://info.vitroglazings.com/the-solarban-acuity-opportunity-1) - Technical Forum: The Latest in Bird Safe Glass Legislation  - Project Showcase: Calgary Central Library  - Get to Know Vitro: Paul Bush  - [September 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/the-solarban-acuity-opportunity) - Our *Solarban*®-Coated *Acuity®* Glass Journey  - Technical Forum: Specifying Heat-Rated Glass  - Project Showcase: Kinects Tower  - Get to Know Vitro: Julia Giba  - [July 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/invested-in-our-people) - Technical Forum: Silicone Strength  - Get to Know Vitro: Joanne Funyak  - Project Showcase: 181 Fremont  - [March 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/two-new-chapters) - Technical Forum: Eliminating the Stress Over Strain Patterns  - Project Showcase: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine  - Get to Know Vitro: Carlisle, PA  - [January 2019](https://info.vitroglazings.com/eyes-on-quality) - The Hallmarks of Product Quality  - Vitro Survey: Insights on General Contractors  - Get to Know Vitro: Salem, Oregon  - [August 2018](https://info.vitroglazings.com/the-future-is-here) - Technical Forum: Diagnosing Glass Breakage  - Project Showcase: UCSD Jacobs Medical Center  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: Carlisle, PA  - Gearing Up to Transport Jumbo Glass  - [March 2018](https://info.vitroglazings.com/vitro-certified-newsletter-march-2018) - Technical Forum: Focusing Beyond Glass Construction in Specifications  - Project Showcase: BioSteel Centre  - Technical Articles to Share with Your Customers  - Vitro, on the Road  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: Wichita Falls, Texas  - [November 2017](https://info.vitroglazings.com/365-days-in) - Technical Forum: Temporary Film Fabrication Guidelines  - Project Showcase: ProMedica Health and Wellness Center  - Lunchtime Training Seminars  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: Fresno, California  - [August 2017](https://info.vitroglazings.com/introducing-the-vitro-certified-newsletter-1) - Technical Forum: New Vitro Glass EPDs Are An Industry First  - Project Showcase: 7 Bryant Park  - Your Show, On the Road  - Get to Know Your Glass Supplier: A Preview  #### Recent Stories:  [![Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png](https://vcn.vitroglazings.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png?width=353&name=Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png "Vitro_PPG_Horiz_RGB.png")](http://www.vitroglazings.com/en-US/Glass.aspx)