Not so small... but cool. We're pretty sure we'd have no problem feeling inspired enough to get work done in this 14,280-cubic foot concrete box in Seattle.
Not so small... but cool. We're pretty sure we'd have no problem feeling inspired enough to get work done in this 14,280-cubic foot concrete box in Seattle.

Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen says, The Brain is a 14,280 cubic-foot cinematic laboratory where the client, a filmmaker, can work out ideas. Physically, that neighborhood birthplace of invention, the garage, provides the conceptual model. The form is essentially a cast-in-place concrete box, intended to be a strong yet neutral background that provides complete flexibility to adapt the space at will. Inserted into the box along the north wall is a steel mezzanine. All interior structures are made using raw, hot-rolled steel sheets.

We say, Check out those windows! Those lights! Those bookcases!





Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen's website is here.
Related Posts:
• Chicken Point Cabin by Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen
• Rolling Huts by Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen
Images: Marc Prozzo
How is that 14,000 square feet? Oh, it's cubic feet. Is that how we measure interior space these days?
view MiklakMiklak's profile
Those stairs are disheartening.
view rhiana's profile
I dig this place! I 'd be interested to know the square footage myself.
view MoJonson's profile
want!!
view *heather leaf*'s profile
All those books and the piano and the light are making me drool.
view harmonyfrance's profile
Great visual 'tension' between the concrete and glass.
Cool location.
Would love to make it into something else inside.
view paulmuscat's profile
cubic feet= square feet x height
I guessed that the ceiling was about 20 feet high. That would make it roughly 714 square feet plus the loft.
view harmonyfrance's profile
Love those huge, spacious windows and how it contrasts with the cement (concrete?).
Although I have to agree with Rihana about the stairs.
view martita's profile
This is pretty interesting.....as a pianist, Im very attracted to the wide open space with light for the piano.....beautiful. This space would be a great place for a chamber concert! I'll take it.
view Goddess Findings's profile
Thanx harmonyfrance!
view MoJonson's profile
the stairway message is stressing me out. i feel like i need to do something productive right now instead of chilling on my computer in my house!
view Joan in SB's profile
It has a rather distressing feel about it. Without the glass wall, it would be down right depressing.
view TheoJ's profile
I think the stair message is brilliant! I always say that! Love the way its executed...
I don't think the place feels distressing at all... industrial but it definitely has a warmth to it. That wall of books is amazing and I love the lightbulbs on that pulley system.
view Manders22's profile
Goddess Findings (interesting name!), I had a similar thought.
I'm pianist myself, and thought, wouldn't this place make a fantastic performance/recording venue...
Gorgeous place. I think it is very small/cool- if it is indeed around 700 square feet. It feels huge (obviously the enormous walls of glass and 20 foot ceilings help...).
view Ian B's profile
This is the neatest space I have ever entered! If you look closely at the exterior pictures you'll see little dots or holes in the concrete spaced strategically throughtout. At the end of each "hole" is a glass marble so the sunlight can stream thru the various prisms.
The firemans pole from the loft to the main space below is pretty sweet. And the acoustics are fantastic.
view hseattle's profile
I've seen this in another magazine somewhere, or was it just a dream.....? Really, loved it the first time I saw it and still think it's fantastically unique. Great space! Thanks for sharing.
view AudreyM's profile
Audrey M--you are absolutely right about seeing this in a magazine. It was in the NEW YORK TIMES MAGAZINE about 5-6 years ago! Even so, it's magnificent. However, for me personally, it's far too grand a space for creating--I think better smaller.
Tom Kundig just won a National Design Award this week as per the NY TIMES. If you think the brain is cool--check out THE TREEHOUSE with wheels! Only about 700 square feet but built on 40 acres!
view dutchgirlny's profile
Omg! I'm in love!
view tulpoeid's profile
I want to say something insightful but all I can seem to muster is...unbelievable. I'd love to work there, awe-inspiring.
view Kitchen Designs's profile
wow this is such a beautiful piece of architecture loving the Bauhaus style windows, two sets no less.. and the little window for the four legged one
view LoriSF's profile
This is a dream of mine- the sheer flexibility of the space is so enticing, and the warm wood/bookcase contrast with the concrete is brilliant.
And I want those lights. And ceilings high enough to use them.
view nothingfuture's profile