A $1.82 million nine-unit condominium complex, Nicholas Court Townhomes is nestled on a 60-by-100-foot lot between two historic single-family homes in Seattle. This in-fill project presented logistic, safety and site development challenges typical of development within an existing urban neighborhood.

Unique to the project is the “Wet Wall” exterior skin system, designed specifically for Nicholas Court by Gordon and Colin Walker of Walker Architectural. Constructed of fiber-cement siding attached with marine grade stainless steel screws and washers, the Wet Wall is installed so that water will migrate behind the siding — which required that penetrations for electrical wiring, plumbing pipes, ventilation ducts, windows and doors be assembled to ensure no moisture invasion.

The exterior courtyard, similar to the wall system, is a plywood deck constructed to slope to roof-type drains. A waterproof membrane was installed over the plywood and bonded to PVC-coated galvanized steel flashings to keep finished areas under the courtyard dry. Walking surfaces are finished with natural colored concrete paving slabs supported above the PVC membrane by adjustable pedestals.

Finishes in the interior living spaces range from hard-troweled exposed concrete to hardwood accented by carpet and ceramic tile. The custom cabinetwork used Ranger Board, stainless steel and plastic laminate to create a one-of-a-kind appearance.