Client
YMCA of Greater Seattle
Location
Longbranch, WA
Scope
Camp Redevelopment
At Camp Colman, the landscape has always been the destination. New cabins, gathering spaces, and future learning environments are carefully woven into the site, creating architecture that supports camp life without competing with the forests, shoreline, and natural rhythms that define it.
Coming to life. Camp Colman is currently under construction. Images shown are architectural renderings of the project.
Every building supports the experiences that define Camp Colman. New camper cabins and year-round staff housing reinterpret the camp’s familiar character through natural materials, warm textures, and simple forms while providing modern comfort, accessibility, and resilient infrastructure.
Together, these spaces create an environment that welcomes everyone and allows the camp community to thrive throughout the year.
Future additions expand the ways campers connect with the natural environment.
The new Aquatics Center keeps swimming and waterfront activities at the heart of camp life, while the planned Marine Education Center overlooking Whiteman Cove creates a place where learning happens within the landscape itself. Together, they reinforce Camp Colman’s commitment to environmental education and outdoor discovery.
The site presented challenges that demanded thoughtful coordination rather than simple solutions. Steep terrain, environmentally critical areas, utility improvements, accessible circulation, and complex permitting all required an integrated design approach.
Working closely with YMCA leadership, camp staff, consultants, and the contractor, the team developed solutions that protect sensitive ecosystems while supporting the camp’s long-term growth.
Environmental stewardship guided the project from the beginning. Energy-efficient systems, durable low-impact materials, and careful site planning reduce environmental impact while helping preserve the landscape that makes Camp Colman unique.
The result is a campus designed not only for today’s campers, but for generations of future explorers, learners, and leaders.
Coming soon.
Frederickson, Washington
City, State
Ferndale, Washington
