Seattle | Ballard Mixed-Use Building Envelope & Cladding

Project Overview

This mixed-use commercial building in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood was completed as part of a development partnership requiring high-performance exterior envelope solutions and precise architectural detailing. Synapse Construction was brought on to deliver siding, window integration, and soffit installation for a modern façade designed to support both commercial and residential uses.

While not a residential reclad, this project showcases the same building envelope expertise Synapse applies to high-performance homes—executed at a larger scale and with increased complexity.


Scope of Work

Modern mixed-use building in Ballard, Seattle featuring James Hardie fiber-cement lap and panel siding, extensive glazing, exposed wood soffits, and architectural façade detailing installed by Synapse Construction.
Mixed-use Ballard project showcasing Synapse Construction’s installation of Hardie lap and panel siding systems, large window assemblies, and exposed wood soffits with clean architectural detailing.

Exterior Envelope & Cladding

  • Installation of modern siding systems across the full building exterior

  • Integration of horizontal lap siding and panelized cladding for visual contrast

  • Precision detailing at transitions, corners, and material interfaces

Windows & Glazing Integration

  • Installation and coordination of large-format commercial windows

  • Careful integration of glazing systems into the wall assembly

  • Envelope detailing to ensure long-term weather resistance and performance

Soffits & Architectural Details

  • Installation of exterior soffits with exposed structural elements

  • Coordination between wood finishes, metal detailing, and fiber cement cladding

  • Clean, modern execution consistent with Ballard’s urban character


Ballard Seattle mixed-use building featuring wood soffits, fiber cement siding, metal trim, and modern façade detailing installed by Synapse Construction.
Wood soffits and modern façade elements integrated with fiber cement siding and metal detailing on a Ballard mixed-use project.

Materials & Systems

James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding

  • Combination of Hardie lap siding and panel siding

  • Durable, low-maintenance exterior solution suited for mixed-use construction

  • Factory-finished surfaces designed for long-term performance

Windows, Soffits & Façade Elements

  • Large glazing assemblies integrated into the building envelope

  • Wood soffits and modern façade details enhancing depth and character

  • System-based installation focused on performance, longevity, and aesthetics


Final Outcome

The completed Ballard mixed-use building reflects a modern, durable exterior envelope built to perform in an urban environment. By combining fiber cement siding systems, large-scale glazing, and detailed soffit work, Synapse delivered a cohesive façade that supports both commercial functionality and residential comfort.

This project highlights Synapse Construction’s ability to execute complex envelope work across building types—bringing the same attention to detail, waterproofing principles, and material expertise used in residential projects to larger mixed-use and commercial developments. Contact Synapse Construction today!

Synapse Construction | Building Envelope Specialists

“Synapse were the only folks we found able to provide the level of quality and specialized expertise necessary for a fairly complicated project. The Synapse team completed the job in a manner that was both professional and efficient. From start to finish, I was impressed with their level of organization. I would strongly recommend Synapse Construction for any exterior or siding project.”

Samuel R.
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