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Student Work

Course Description

EXTERIOR PERSPECTIVE RENDER - HERO SHOT
EXTERIOR PERSPECTIVE RENDER

Rainier Roots

Student: Claudia Chan
Studio: ARCH 503 — Rick Mohler — Fall 2025
Location: Seattle, Washington

Project Description

Rainier Roots is a five-story, 144-unit permanent supportive housing project in Seattle’s Rainier Beach neighborhood, designed to provide a stable foundation for individuals transitioning out of temporary shelter. Located adjacent to the LIHI Tiny House Village, the project strengthens an existing support network while offering long-term housing rooted in dignity, care, and community connection. By combining housing with on-site services, it addresses both immediate needs and the broader challenges of stability and well-being.

AXO SITE PLAN DIAGRAM
AXO SITE PLAN DIAGRAM

The building uses prefabricated modular construction over a concrete podium to maximize efficiency and accelerate delivery without sacrificing quality. Its design follows trauma-informed and human-centered principles, shaping spaces that feel safe, welcoming, and restorative. A private courtyard introduces light, greenery, and moments of calm within the dense urban setting, while circulation and shared areas encourage interaction among residents. Ground-floor amenities include health services, therapy, and case management, alongside a public-facing food and deli space that connects the building to the surrounding neighborhood. Together, these elements create a supportive environment where housing, care, and community are fully integrated.

COURTYARD PERSPECTIVE RENDERING
COURTYARD PERSPECTIVE RENDERING

Images from Rainier Roots.

AXON PLAN DIAGRAMGROUND FLOOR PLAN WITH STREETSCAPEMID-LEVEL FLOOR PLANEXTERIOR PERSPECTIVE RENDERING AT STEET CORNERSOUTH SECTION PERSPECTIVErendered unit plan W ADAEXTERIOR CIRCULATION PERSPECTIVE RENDERINGUNIT BEDROOM RENDERCOMMUNITY KITCHEN PERSPECTIVE RENDERING