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Collection by Farhan Malik

Olson Kundig Architects: Maxon House

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In the living area, Lou sits on a Room & Board sofa, while one of the family’s two Great Danes relaxes nearby; the fireplace is by Montigo.
In the living area, Lou sits on a Room & Board sofa, while one of the family’s two Great Danes relaxes nearby; the fireplace is by Montigo.
Set on 21 acres at the top of the Snoqualmie Valley, the 3,200-square-foot Maxon House represents a major lifestyle change for the Maxons, who previously lived in a split-level in a planned subdivision. "When you’re here, you just sit and watch what’s happening outside," says Lou. "It’s like the Weather Channel. We don’t even need the TV." Kim adds, "In spring everything explodes." Cedars, hemlocks, and vine maples shoot up from the fern-covered hillside.
Set on 21 acres at the top of the Snoqualmie Valley, the 3,200-square-foot Maxon House represents a major lifestyle change for the Maxons, who previously lived in a split-level in a planned subdivision. "When you’re here, you just sit and watch what’s happening outside," says Lou. "It’s like the Weather Channel. We don’t even need the TV." Kim adds, "In spring everything explodes." Cedars, hemlocks, and vine maples shoot up from the fern-covered hillside.
The king of kinetic architecture, architect Olson Kundig, discusses the River House, where manually operated gizmos move massive walls and windows.
The king of kinetic architecture, architect Olson Kundig, discusses the River House, where manually operated gizmos move massive walls and windows.
The site of much permit-wrangling.
The site of much permit-wrangling.
As part of the process in hiring the architects the entire family was able to visit a range of projects by Tom Kundig. One of our favorites was The Brain. Here, a Lego model representing the entrance to the Brain Studio. No detail is overlooked from the entry canopy to the lighting. One of the best ways to get the kids involved was to let them make their own house creations and try to mimic some of Kundig's projects on their own (and with the help of their dad!).
As part of the process in hiring the architects the entire family was able to visit a range of projects by Tom Kundig. One of our favorites was The Brain. Here, a Lego model representing the entrance to the Brain Studio. No detail is overlooked from the entry canopy to the lighting. One of the best ways to get the kids involved was to let them make their own house creations and try to mimic some of Kundig's projects on their own (and with the help of their dad!).
A view from the conference room to the open floor plan of the Olson Kundig Architects offices.
A view from the conference room to the open floor plan of the Olson Kundig Architects offices.
I gathered that the couple we bought the property from did a little Edward Scissorhands job on the very narrow sliver of a view. Seeing the forest through the trees became a mantra for us as we engaged with county foresters and embraced forest practices.
I gathered that the couple we bought the property from did a little Edward Scissorhands job on the very narrow sliver of a view. Seeing the forest through the trees became a mantra for us as we engaged with county foresters and embraced forest practices.
Life in suburbia. From left, Kim, Lou, Henry, Molly (basset hound) and front row left, Jack.
Life in suburbia. From left, Kim, Lou, Henry, Molly (basset hound) and front row left, Jack.