The design solution places living spaces on the top floor, ensuring the view in perpetuity, and incorporates an elevator shaft allowing for aging in place. Formally, the three levels are shifted rather than stacked neatly on top of one another. This strategy reduces the apparent scale of the home, provides a dramatic covered entry experience, and creates a roof terrace off of the living/dining spaces.
Garage and support spaces are placed below-grade, with the second-floor entry flush with a grade at the high portion of the site. The 15ft elevation change from sidewalk to the front door is mitigated by generous stairs, broken up by a garden space and gateway signifying a transition from public to private realms. Significant existing trees and shrubs were leveraged in the design, creating a rich entry experience and a strong connection to nature from both the entry and upper floor.
The home’s strong street presence and bold modernity respond to a neighborhood context rich with excellent examples of mid-century modern architecture.
Architects : Heliotrope Architects – http://heliotropearchitects.com/
Location : Seattle, Washington, United States
Area : 3000 ft²
Photographs : Haris Kenjar – http://www.hariskenjar.com/
Contractor : Dovetail
Landscape : Nussbaum
Structural : Swenson SayFaget