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Project posted by PRDG architecture + design

Othello Modern

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Location
Gatewood, Seattle, Washington
Year
2015
Structure
House (Single Residence)
Style
Modern
The entrance is carved out of a grounded volume to create an arrival space as the rest of the house encloses the garden and courtyard.
The entrance is carved out of a grounded volume to create an arrival space as the rest of the house encloses the garden and courtyard.
The open plan Living-Dining-Kitchen are lined with expansive windows creating a connection to the garden and it's views.
The open plan Living-Dining-Kitchen are lined with expansive windows creating a connection to the garden and it's views.
The two upper volumes extend towards the view, carving space below to create an intimate courtyard-deck that connects the inside to outside efforlessly.
The two upper volumes extend towards the view, carving space below to create an intimate courtyard-deck that connects the inside to outside efforlessly.
The open plan extends towards the kitchen creating a dialogue between spaces. The kitchen wraps itself around walls and becomes a bar for the dining area.
The open plan extends towards the kitchen creating a dialogue between spaces. The kitchen wraps itself around walls and becomes a bar for the dining area.
The main volumes of the home are multi-functional creating roof decks to enjoy the view.
The main volumes of the home are multi-functional creating roof decks to enjoy the view.
the main corridor is lit from above creating opens and spatial connections to all 3 floors.
the main corridor is lit from above creating opens and spatial connections to all 3 floors.
Large windows capture the view and provide abundant light into a study-meditation space.
Large windows capture the view and provide abundant light into a study-meditation space.
The expansive deck connecting the living spaces to the outdoor is also partially covered by the cantilevered upper volumes creating intimate space and providing protection from the elements.
The expansive deck connecting the living spaces to the outdoor is also partially covered by the cantilevered upper volumes creating intimate space and providing protection from the elements.
the functional kitchen opens to the living spaces harmonizing the graceful open plan.
the functional kitchen opens to the living spaces harmonizing the graceful open plan.
Rooftop decks above the main volumes of the house provide additional outdoor space for entertaining or simply catching some rays while taking in the views.
Rooftop decks above the main volumes of the house provide additional outdoor space for entertaining or simply catching some rays while taking in the views.
The intricate landscaping weaves throughout the yards to create intimate spaces to reflect and engage with the house.
The intricate landscaping weaves throughout the yards to create intimate spaces to reflect and engage with the house.
A seating area is carved out of the landscape surrounded by corten metal retaining walls and lush landscaping removing you from the urban environment.
A seating area is carved out of the landscape surrounded by corten metal retaining walls and lush landscaping removing you from the urban environment.
Numerous spaces are created using landscape elements while making spatial connections to the house.
Numerous spaces are created using landscape elements while making spatial connections to the house.
From the rooftops the views are a form of meditation watching the weather and boats pass.
From the rooftops the views are a form of meditation watching the weather and boats pass.

Details

Square Feet
3225
Lot Size
6966
Bedrooms
4
Full Baths
2
Partial Baths
1

Credits

Posted by
Architect
Builder
Better Builders
Photographer
Brady Wolf

From PRDG architecture + design

The project needed to be efficiently designed to accommodate a 21st century modern family in a conservative 3,225 sf and 1375 sf outdoor space.. Program needed to include and was arranged as “amenities” 2 car garage and storage (basement); open-plan “living” foyer, kitchen, dining, living, powder and deck/courtyard (main floor); “sleeping” 4 bedrooms and 2 baths (2nd floor); “loft” media/study and roof decks (3rd floor). Emphasis needed to be placed on the exceptional western views of the Olympic Mountains, Puget Sound, sunsets, exposure to the south for natural light, existing access from street and a yard. On all sides of the property obstructions existed (2 neighbors and 2 streets).

A visionary client waited 2 years for a short sale of the property to complete allowing the Architect to creatively challenge the design problem by carefully integrating context, function and structure to sculpt a solution into the existing landscape. Both were inspired to design without boundaries leading to a creative process that yielded exceptional results.

The design approach immediately addressed the properties of the site in section by sinking the garage/storage into the site and in plan by shifting the open space massing of the main floor to the east to maximize yard space. The asymmetrical, cantilevered second floor sits atop the “living” volume, wrapping itself around an unobstructed west-facing courtyard deck providing shelter, intimacy and privacy from the street below. The minimal structure provides a panoramic openness to the landscape and views. The volumes of the program were sculpted to break away from the standard “boxy” building envelopes that are often created by strict zoning.

Built Green construction standards and the use of sustainable materials were implemented throughout. The design approach included 1. Minimal site disturbance with a small footprint created green space that enhanced the lush landscaping and a rain garden. 2. Strategically placed fenestration in all rooms captures the views, daylight and eliminates the need for artificial lighting during the day 3. An energy efficient building envelope, appliances, fixtures and solar array infrastructure.

Walking through the house, one continuously realizes spatial experiences created by intellectual design decisions. These decisions were driven by the site’s distinctive attributes to form a responsive and dynamic environment, which stimulates the human spirit. The proper balance of architectonic elements formed by natural materials throughout allows this house to connect with its surroundings by providing direct link to the outside while maintaining an intimate habitat.