Salt Lake City is one of the fastest-growing cities in America, and more of its residents than ever are living in apartments. The modern urban dweller’s lifestyle demands a lot from their home; often, their work, social, and personal lives are all anchored in one building. The Central City Multifamily project rethinks the traditional apartment structure, prioritizing amenities to blend the convenience of independence with all of the wonderful benefits of high-density living.
We wanted the form of the building to follow its function, so we began with a simple box with each necessity neatly organized throughout. Then, to center the units around light, fresh air, and community, we cracked the building open like a geode, creating a peek into the structure and extra space for life’s simple pleasures. Its shape is two distinct yet interconnected forms, linked by exposed structural elements.
The different spheres of life are distinctly organized in the building, though the interactions between each space create a seamless flow as residents go about their day. The bottom two floors are where community areas, amenities, and the leasing office sit, with four floors of residential units above. Three levels of parking are pushed to the back of the lot, giving the spotlight to the building itself.
The amenity floors create opportunities for residents to connect and thrive. A fitness center and yoga studio can accommodate individual practice as well as group sessions. Above the yoga studio, a catwalk connects the indoor dog park to the spacious co-working space. To unwind after a long week, residents can step away from the workspace into the lounge, where they can host, gather, and relax. Between the building’s two masses, a community garden gives residents their own patch of green in the middle of downtown.
Working within the structure of the simple form led us to establish a framework for ambiance throughout. Both light and connection became important principles in our process that guided our decision making. The central courtyard doesn’t just serve as extra outdoor space; it also allows natural light to fill each residential unit. Wood slats, perforated metal, and other porous finishes create seamless transitions between interior and exterior, allowing for the free flow of light and air to reach deep into the structure.
