A Jim Cutler–Designed Beaux Arts Contemporary Asks $5.2M
Award-winning architects Jim Cuter and Bruce Anderson describe their approach to design as "an attempt to reveal the nature of every circumstance: The nature of the place in which it is located, the nature of the materials with which we build, and the nature of the institution to be housed." As with all of their designs, this post-and-beam structure near Seattle, Washington, is a clear and sincere expression of the philosophy.
Built in 2014, this contemporary home is located in Beaux Arts Village, a small incorporated area across Lake Washington from Seattle, near Bellevue. The single-story home is comprised of two wings, with a double-height great room overlooking the property's old-growth trees.
True to building within nature, the awe-inspiring home is nestled between several enormous Douglas Firs—one of which is seven feet in diameter. Walls of glass progressively reveal views of the specimens, which is heightened by a glass-encased central great room. Comprised of the living and dining area, as well as the kitchen, the large space features a trio of massive counter-weighted windows that provide a seamless transition to the backyard. A band of clerestory windows wrap around the remaining three sides, tucked beneath walls clad in Roman brick and exposed beams.
The open kitchen features a long island, dividing it from the living area. The room is supported by steel beams and four steel posts partially encased in wood—all of which are left exposed as a nod to the firm's philosophy of celebrating an honesty with materials.
In a recent interview, Cutler describes his thoughts behind the home's design: "The landscape itself becomes the element that gets people emotionally engaged," he says. "The whole intent was an effort to develop a choreography of movement, of your eyes scanning, and emotionally engaging you, using light to highlight what you want people to experience. We totally expose the structure and show the various strengths of the materials." The firm's other works have granted Cutler and Anderson countless industry accolades, including six AIA National Honor awards.
A smaller family room sits on one side of the great room. As in much of the 5,565-square-foot interior, floor-to-ceiling windows provide views of the lush greenery surrounding the home.
This particular five-bedroom, five-bathroom home was recently listed for sale, asking nearly $5.2M. Views of the surrounding landscape are available from nearly every room, with hardwood foods, exposed rafters, custom wooden cabinetry adding to the tree-house like feel of the home. Included in the sale is access to the Beaux Arts community's beachfront area, which is located just blocks away. Keep scrolling to see more.
A look at one of the home's five bedrooms. This one replicates much of the home's signature features with an expansive wall of windows to let in natural light.
The home also offers a separate office area, complete with built-in desks and cabinetry. An end wall clad in Roman brick continues to form a courtyard along the exterior.
A view of one side reveals the glass-encased family room and bedroom. One of the property's largest trees is framed by a single pane of glass that provides a sightline through to the opposite side of the home.
A patio connects the two private wings and the central public area. About the firm's philosophy as embodied by this project, Cutler adds: "Nature takes on a will and spirit of its own in every project. We work to release that spirit."
2737 107th Avenue Southeast, Beaux Arts Village in Washington, is currently listed for $5,180,000 by Tere Foster and Moya Skillman of Compass.
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