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The combination of a low concrete wall and built-in bench creates an intimate seating area that acts as an extension to the kitchen and dining room. Another steel trellis above creates an armature for more plants that will fill in and provide shade. The terrace is topped with blue stone and wood screens give the plants a ladder on which to grow.

Even in ever-gray and gloomy Seattle, the 24-by-10-foot front window lets in enough light that the couple rarely needs to turn on any lamps inside the house.

A concrete walkway connects the living and dining rooms to the exterior, and concrete forms a built-in bench for lounging by the Solo Stove fire pit.

The home is positioned on a gently sloping site and an exterior deck provides views of the surrounding forest. The pergola was built with a removeable awning.

A view looking south toward the penthouse addition. The pergola is planted with wisteria providing a welcoming shade.

The rear garden is filled with ferns, sedges, lowbush blueberry, and a poplar tree growing out of a rock face. “The request for grasses and the directive for a soothing green landscape dictated that the gardens be wildish in nature,” Edmonson further explains.

Mature pothos vines drip over the banister of the loft, cascading down to the first floor. "It’s the first thing people notice," says Melanie.

North elevation

The exterior of Connect 4L 1,600 sf 3 bed 3 bath 2 story modern prefab.

The central courtyard connects to a raised deck for socializing within easy access to the kitchen.

Large cedar-clad openings connect the interior living spaces to the courtyard. The bright and airy main living spaces wrap around the courtyard.

Pool deck and sitting area

The addition carves out a cozy seating area with a natural sight line to lake views. The custom railing is steel.

Using exclusively native plants, landscape designer Karin Ursula Edmondson created a layered garden of creeping sedges, ornamental grasses, bee balm, mountain mint, shrubby St. John’s wort, fragrant sumac, and more. “The eco-system of the site was so spectacular, it was all I needed for inspiration,” she says.

A private deck sits just off the master bedroom.