Private Residence Project, Lake Washington, Seattle

100' of waterfront in a dense neighborhood is the site for this three-story house. The owner desired an uncompromising modern design to take advantage of the water, scenic view, and recreational opportunities. Planning restrictions limited the height and size of the building footprint.

The north and south facades are mostly closed to the adjacent houses. High strip windows facing west provide privacy from the street.

Glazing is concentrated on the east, where an inclined 50' long full-height glass wall defines the living area with a dramatic panorama of Lake Washington. Spatial flow moves upward with a open linear steel staircase bisecting the upper floors. A full-length clerestory above brings natural light to the stair and master suite interior.

Exterior materials are to be maintenance-free and include glazed gray brick (which also covers the fireplace block), concrete, and smooth-finished metal panels in two colors. All structural steel is exposed. Dark gray glass wraps the cantilevered master bedroom.

A green roof (watered by collected stormwater) will give extra thermal insulation to the living area and provide rooftop outdoor living. Sustainable features are designed to enhance the modernist vocabulary.

Private Residence Remodel, Lake Steilacoom, Lakewood,Washington

Built in 1924, the remodel program for this 7,200SF house was chiefly for summer living

and entertaining, along with a new guest house to be built elsewhere on the property. Several second floor walls were removed to create a new master suite; the original 7 bedrooms were reduced to 4. The dining room was combined with a sunroom to create a single space for large dinner parties and a separate serving pantry. The existing kitchen was replaced; the ceiling in the adjacent breakfast area was removed to provide a vaulted surface. The basement was built out to accommodate a recreation room for family TV viewing along with separate, conditioned storage for the owner's large wine collection. An existing 3-car garage was retained.

All walls and partitions were stripped bare to allow complete electrical rewiring. A new cantilevered glass canopy was added to replace an old, makeshift deck cover on the lake side.

New glass deck guardrails permit uninterrupted views. Other features include custom dining tables, a custom master bed headboard and side tables, shoe storage benches, stair carpet, and interior cabinetry all designed by the architect.

The 2 acre site was completely re-landscaped to include a new entrance gate and night lighting while preserving the old-growth firs, other existing trees, and selected shrubbery.

Private Guest House, Lake Steilacoom, Lakewood, Washington

A new guest house was sited to afford views of the lake and provide privacy for guests. Groundslope allowed for parking below. Interior layout is essentially one large room, combining a sitting area at one end and sleeping at the opposite, attached to a separate entry area and bath. A small kitchen is tucked away behind folding doors. The long, full height widow wall provides access to a cantilevered deck. Local codes required use of exterior materials to match the main house.

Floor Plan

Private Residence, Lake Washington, Seattle

A 3-story open plan house of 5400SF features complex interior volumes of varying height, an exposed steel structure, extensive glazing of tinted and opaque glass, and exterior cladding of pre-finished metal panels and ground-face concrete masonry.

The owner requested a house of uncompromising modern design with large open spaces for entertaining, a master suite with sunroom, space for overnight guests, housekeeper accommodation, and extensive exterior terraces. Concentrated eastern glazing opens the entire house to the commanding lake view. The design opportunity allowed freedom to build dramatic spaces with features reflecting the owner's personality. Concern for natural light and ventilation has produced a constantly changing interior environment of remarkable comfort.