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May 24, 2013

Brightwater influent pump station

Photo by Benjamin Benschneider [enlarge]
The two main buildings of the station are simple blocks of concrete accented by industrial-like metal siding and louvers.

Location: Bothell

Architect: Mithun

Agency/owner: King County Wastewater Treatment Division

General contractor: Kiewit


The Brightwater influent pump station is an important component in the Brightwater treatment system constructed by King County.

Nestled into an industrial park setting, the two main buildings of the facility were conceived of as simple blocks of precast concrete, punctuated by the metal siding and louvers of their industrial function. These volumes are joined by a glass circulation spine, providing glimpses of the activity within the facility.

Corridors and access stairs allow for light penetration into the generator building and pump station, and a combination of clerestory glazing and windows enhance daylighting in workspaces while adding to the overall transparency from the street.

Adjacent to a native wetland, the station’s landscape is integrated with an elevated path that carries visitors across the site.

“Verdi,” a sculptural tower made of more than 3,500 repurposed green glass bottles, ingeniously encloses the pump station’s odor control stack. The tower is a visual statement about consumption of bottled water, connecting that practice to the process of resource use and water purification within the Brightwater system.

Jury comment: “This is a really nice solution to a very mean subject. As a place for public employees, it is a pleasant environment in which to work. The tower is a nice touch that connects to the community in a positive way.”


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