SkB Architects Turns a 1900 Book Bindery into SkB Annex

What appeared as a grim one-story Seattle building to many was a unique innovation opportunity and new revenue stream for SkB Architects. Located next door to the firm’s headquarters, the circa-1900 book bindery is now SkB Annex, a coworking and event space where playful vintage design, including Josef Hoffmann chairs, encourages experimentation. “Our intent with the project is to learn how environment affects people,” SkB
founder Shannon Gaffney says. “We are seeing that clients are more engaged and more willing to interact in the creative process because the setting is more comfortable, promoting freedom and engagement.”

Inside the fireclay brick box is a raw, 2,000-square-foot open plan with concrete flooring, exposed trusses, and glass-walled ends that exudes a relaxed informality, whether it be for a pop-up shop, an informal meeting space, movie screening, even an overnight stay. “It’s a residential-driven work environment,” says Kyle Gaffney, who knows a little something about the subject, having co-founded SkB with his wife in 1999.

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