SubscribeSign In
Project posted by SHED Architecture & Design

Madison Park Ranch House

View 14 Photos
Location
Seattle, Washington
Structure
House (Single Residence)
Style
Midcentury
A view from the front door shows that the bright and airy open floor plan leads straight through to the backyard.
A view from the front door shows that the bright and airy open floor plan leads straight through to the backyard.
After a lifetime of random remodels, this 1959 Northwest contemporary ranch home in Seattle's Madison Park neighborhood finally received an overhaul that makes it shine. Seattle–based SHED Architecture & Design undid the outdated layers, updating and modernizing the home while paying respect to its original midcentury charm. The renovation juxtaposes light and dark elements—Douglas fir is set against dark bricks and oversized concrete floor tiling. This convention aligns with the home's original material palette while adding a contemporary vibe.
After a lifetime of random remodels, this 1959 Northwest contemporary ranch home in Seattle's Madison Park neighborhood finally received an overhaul that makes it shine. Seattle–based SHED Architecture & Design undid the outdated layers, updating and modernizing the home while paying respect to its original midcentury charm. The renovation juxtaposes light and dark elements—Douglas fir is set against dark bricks and oversized concrete floor tiling. This convention aligns with the home's original material palette while adding a contemporary vibe.
SHED enhanced the original tongue-and-groove ceiling and bold dark beams with new paint and stains. Expansive walls of glass create a strong indoor/outdoor connection.
SHED enhanced the original tongue-and-groove ceiling and bold dark beams with new paint and stains. Expansive walls of glass create a strong indoor/outdoor connection.
SHED redid the original fireplace in black brick.
SHED redid the original fireplace in black brick.
The new kitchen is bright and airy featuring an oversized marble island with a table extension.
The new kitchen is bright and airy featuring an oversized marble island with a table extension.
SHED added oversized sliding glass doors which allow for indoor/outdoor living during the warmer months, while new wood cabinetry establishes a clean, minimalist aesthetic, and an oversized, marble-topped island with a table extension provides room to cook, eat, and entertain. Oversized sliding doors open to the expansive deck, while skylights fill the space with natural light—a necessity with Seattle's gray winter skies.
SHED added oversized sliding glass doors which allow for indoor/outdoor living during the warmer months, while new wood cabinetry establishes a clean, minimalist aesthetic, and an oversized, marble-topped island with a table extension provides room to cook, eat, and entertain. Oversized sliding doors open to the expansive deck, while skylights fill the space with natural light—a necessity with Seattle's gray winter skies.
The dining room features pendant lighting, a slatted wood divider, and midcentury art selected by the homeowner. The divider encloses the space while allowing light and air to pass through.
The dining room features pendant lighting, a slatted wood divider, and midcentury art selected by the homeowner. The divider encloses the space while allowing light and air to pass through.
The powder room features an open shower, vertical window for light and a steel countertop.
The powder room features an open shower, vertical window for light and a steel countertop.
The master bath features round penny tiles and concrete tile floors.
The master bath features round penny tiles and concrete tile floors.
The master shower features a skylight and bench.
The master shower features a skylight and bench.
After being buried under layers of haphazard renovations, a 1959 Seattle ranch finally reaches its maximum potential.
After being buried under layers of haphazard renovations, a 1959 Seattle ranch finally reaches its maximum potential.
Large aggregate concrete pavers lead to the new fire pit. A concrete wall provides privacy and a sense of enclosure.
Large aggregate concrete pavers lead to the new fire pit. A concrete wall provides privacy and a sense of enclosure.
SHED reorganized the outdoor space into dedicated entertainment zones. The new deck connects directly to the kitchen via sliding doors.
SHED reorganized the outdoor space into dedicated entertainment zones. The new deck connects directly to the kitchen via sliding doors.

Credits

Posted by
Architect
Interior Design
Living Room Furnishings: Brian Paquette

From SHED Architecture & Design

When the homeowners purchased their 1959 house, its humble beginnings as a ranch house was buried beneath layers of ad hoc changes over the years. Previous owners tried to transform the midcentury ranch house into something it wasn’t and filled the backyard with a number of bulky structures that didn’t fit the needs of the new homeowners.

After a lifetime of remodeling, the Northwest Contemporary home deserved a holistic revitalization to honor its original spirit and make it suitable for contemporary living.

SHED Architecture & Design was hired to undo the layers and restore the home to its original character using a cohesive approach and timeless materials. The primary goal was for the design work to live within the existing volume and create a more integrated result that bridges the past and future.

The compartmentalized floor plan was opened up, connections between spaces were enhanced, and the bathrooms were reworked to simplify and improve functionality.

SHED came up with a material language that was consistent with the original house; stone chimney, fir decking, and revamped existing skylights to amplify natural light. The architects added dark brick and concrete flooring into the mix to align with the original palette, while providing a timeless and durable aesthetic for the future.

The homeowners wanted a central kitchen gathering space that was oriented towards the deck and yard. SHED inserted an oversized kitchen island that takes a commanding position in the space, while providing ample room to cook, eat, and socialize. The interior and exterior spaces were linked together via large sliding doors that open up to the expansive deck and firepit zone on the lower patio.

By removing the old structures in the backyard, SHED as able to reallocate spaces so the house opens up to the yard in a more direct way. Outdoor living spaces carefully extend their way through the yard among mature trees and are further established by concrete walls to provide necessary structure and privacy. Expressed aggregate concrete tiles serve as the main interior flooring, echoing a similar look and feel to the exposed aggregate concrete pavers seen in the new yardscape. The paths and steps gently engage with the natural landscaping, gradually connecting the home to a series of private outdoor spaces around the property.