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Project posted by Jos Kannin

Makai House

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Composite fiber cement panels on top imitate Japanese tatami mat proportions. The lower two levels feature two types of shou sugi ban cedar siding and charred cedar rails.
Composite fiber cement panels on top imitate Japanese tatami mat proportions. The lower two levels feature two types of shou sugi ban cedar siding and charred cedar rails.
The front entry sequence transitions from the parking area to front door, with a secondary path from the driveway down to the back yard. The landscape architects chose steel planters to house the maple, fern, and other plantings, for durability and a pleasing weathered look.
The front entry sequence transitions from the parking area to front door, with a secondary path from the driveway down to the back yard. The landscape architects chose steel planters to house the maple, fern, and other plantings, for durability and a pleasing weathered look.
Makai House is located in an urban environment a stone's throw from the West Seattle ferry dock.
Makai House is located in an urban environment a stone's throw from the West Seattle ferry dock.
Before: The original house, built in 1928. To accommodate the City of Seattle’s zoning and permitting rules, the new design had to fit within the footprint of the existing home and retain parts of the original, including the foundation.
Before: The original house, built in 1928. To accommodate the City of Seattle’s zoning and permitting rules, the new design had to fit within the footprint of the existing home and retain parts of the original, including the foundation.
The horizontal lines of the rail and wall and the color scheme of blacks and browns add a Japanese aesthetic to the entry indoor/outdoor room and create a bold interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.
The horizontal lines of the rail and wall and the color scheme of blacks and browns add a Japanese aesthetic to the entry indoor/outdoor room and create a bold interplay of light and shadow throughout the day.
A balcony off the master suite affords a panoramic view of the Puget Sound.
A balcony off the master suite affords a panoramic view of the Puget Sound.
The indoor/outdooor entry room is further illuminated by two skylights.
The indoor/outdooor entry room is further illuminated by two skylights.
Tiling in the kitchen extends to the deck, so when the 32-foot lift and slide doors open there’s no transition between indoors and out.
Tiling in the kitchen extends to the deck, so when the 32-foot lift and slide doors open there’s no transition between indoors and out.
The beams in the great room extend to the deck beyond. The deck is flush with the living room and composed of the same tile for a seamless transition between inside and out.
The beams in the great room extend to the deck beyond. The deck is flush with the living room and composed of the same tile for a seamless transition between inside and out.
The kitchen includes a Wolf stove and Subzero appliances, and a Dekton countertop.
The kitchen includes a Wolf stove and Subzero appliances, and a Dekton countertop.
Custom black maple cabinets.
Custom black maple cabinets.
The upper floor is reached by a custom floating staircase with an operable skylight for light and ventilation. The handrail is underlit with LED lighting.
The upper floor is reached by a custom floating staircase with an operable skylight for light and ventilation. The handrail is underlit with LED lighting.
The master bedroom includes built-in night stands and a barn style door to the en suite bathroom.
The master bedroom includes built-in night stands and a barn style door to the en suite bathroom.
Sliding doors from the master suite lead out to a balcony where Dan and his girlfriend like to sit and drink their coffee in the mornings, watching the ferry come and go from Vashon Island to the West Seattle dock.
Sliding doors from the master suite lead out to a balcony where Dan and his girlfriend like to sit and drink their coffee in the mornings, watching the ferry come and go from Vashon Island to the West Seattle dock.
The master bathroom includes a soaking tub and a spectacular water view. The window contains a gas between the panes that fogs up to create privacy when bathing. The floor is slightly graded to slope down to the shower drain for easy cleaning and lip-free shower entry.
The master bathroom includes a soaking tub and a spectacular water view. The window contains a gas between the panes that fogs up to create privacy when bathing. The floor is slightly graded to slope down to the shower drain for easy cleaning and lip-free shower entry.

Credits

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From Jos Kannin

A waterfront home near a ferry dock in West Seattle is remodeled from the foundation up to incorporate traditional Japanese design elements and materials palette in a thoroughly modern vernacular. The indoor/outdoor aesthetic is enhanced by four decks for al fresco living and a 32-foot lift and slide door to open the great room to an outdoor kitchen and dining area.

Custom post and beam home by Lindal Cedar Homes
Design by Sakshi Uomoto of Seattle Cedar Homes
Build by Schaefer Construction
Landscape architecture by Board and Vellum
Landscape installation by Sly Landscaping
Photography by Kevin Scott (unless otherwise noted)