Open House Remodel

“I originally designed this home in 1988, and 30 years later we created a fresh new environment. I love the way a house can evolve over the years to become almost timeless.” –Jim Olson, FAIA, Design Principal

The remodel of this waterfront home, originally designed by Jim Olson in 1988, removes partitions throughout the interior spaces to maximize access to daylight. From the entry, a two-story atrium looks onto an exterior deck and sculptural trellis, with the Lake Washington waterfront beyond. The open plan living area features a blackened steel fireplace surround as a point of contrast to the wood floors and ceilings throughout the bright, light-filled interior. Large glass sliding doors framed by new aluminum windows connect the main living space to the deck and garden, with direct access to Lake Washington.

“We tore down walls, opened up rooms – now the house is all about space and natural light.” –Jim Olson, FAIA, Design Principal

On the upper level, the master suite is reoriented to take advantage of views to Lake Washington and Mt. Rainier. This completely open suite, with no doors and only low walls, connects to an office and closet space via a steel bridge across the double-height main level atrium and overlooks a Spencer Finch light sculpture. Steel moment frames support the home’s newly opened structure.

The remodel looks ahead to the client’s potential future needs, supporting a strategy of ageing in place. Existing front steps have been replaced by a gently sloping ramp, while a small elevator connects all levels of the home. The layout of the deck has been simplified to eliminate several sets of stairs crossing between tiers, and steel handrails added where stairs were retained.

Project Team: Jim Olson, FAIA, Design Principal; William Franklin, Project Manager; Clay Anderson and Claire Fontaine, Architectural Staff.

Key Consultants: Lockhart | Suver, General Contractor; Bykonen Carter Quinn, Structural Engineer; Terry Hunziker, Interior Design; Niteo, Lighting Design; Anne James, Landscape Architect

Photography: Aaron Leitz