Kerf Apartments

Kerf Apartments, located near Western Washington University in Bellingham, is a 5-story, mixed-use building featuring 196 residential units and 3,400 square feet of retail space.

The development includes a variety of apartment configurations: studios, one- and two-bedroom units, as well as live/work lofts. The structure incorporates a 20-foot-tall mass timber level, which supports mezzanine spaces in the ground-floor amenities and residential units.

Intentionally constructed with sustainably sourced, cross-laminated timber, this project’s design references the Pacific North-West’s natural beauty. The exposed timber elements, such as glulam beams, columns, and CLT BBS ceilings, create a warm and inviting atmosphere. These timber components also offer excellent heat and moisture regulation, enhancing the residential environment.

Prefabrication techniques, including pre-installed joinery, were utilized to reduce on-site construction time. The integration of mass timber with traditional stick frame results in an economic approach, blending traditional methods with the advantages of mass timber construction for both sustainability and cost-effectiveness.