The Brain by Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects

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.

Images: Marc Prozzo

Comments (19)

How is that 14,000 square feet? Oh, it's cubic feet. Is that how we measure interior space these days?

Those stairs are disheartening.

I dig this place! I 'd be interested to know the square footage myself.

All those books and the piano and the light are making me drool.

Great visual 'tension' between the concrete and glass.
Cool location.
Would love to make it into something else inside.

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.

Love those huge, spacious windows and how it contrasts with the cement (concrete?).
Although I have to agree with Rihana about the stairs.

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.

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!

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.

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...).

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.

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.

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!

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

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.