Windermere Midcentury Renovation

This Seattle midcentury home renovation encompassed 3,132 square feet of the main area. Additionally, a new 780 square foot Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) was introduced. The residence now serves as a three-generation family home.

Originally built in the mid-1950s, this extensive renovation pays homage to its midcentury roots. The home's original design aimed to frame picturesque views of Mount Rainier over Lake Washington from the living room. Throughout the home, intimately scaled ceilings accentuate the views through expansive windows, while the vaulted ceilings in the larger public spaces contribute to a heightened sense of openness.

The entry, living room, and library spaces thoughtfully retain elements like built-ins and lighting valences while harmonizing the various woodwork with a unifying coat of white paint. The original mantle and fireplace hearth retained their original wood finish. The library gained a set of pocket doors, allowing adaptable use as an office or guest room.

Revitalizing the main floor layout, the kitchen was expanded by relocating the laundry area. This connected the kitchen, dining, and main circulation zones to maximize views and natural light. The original arrangement of service spaces—kitchen, laundry, and service room—was reimagined to integrate them into the public areas of the house.

In the kitchen, dining, and bar areas, the design played off existing curved walls from the entry and basement stairs. These elements were extended with wood paneling and curved surfaces, painted white to match the trim and other built-ins. White oak floors and quartz countertops maintain a light and airy feel within the context of the home's deep midcentury eaves.

The lower level was transformed into a primary suite, utilizing the existing wall to create a glass-box in the bedroom overlooking a private sunken garden. The thoughtful window design allows the brick garden wall to visually extend from inside out, developing a strong connection between the bedroom and the garden. The bathroom’s curved wall serves as a dramatic backdrop that repeats midcentury detailing while establishing a generous entry into the main bedroom.

The ADU played a pivotal role in the transformation. Its addition echoes the massing of the garage, creating a formal courtyard. With a covered entrance at grade, the ADU achieves autonomy and distinct identity, while ensuring convenient access to the main house. The vaulted ceiling in the ADU's living room mirrors the of the main home's living room, creating a cohesive aesthetic.

The ADU boasts a covered patio that provides private outdoor space, akin to the covered porch off the kitchen in the main house. The driveway's configuration was altered to accommodate a garden in front of the ADU, enhancing its privacy.

Stemming from the concept of the ADU as a courtyard generator, the front yard is transformed. The circular drive is now a hammerhead shape. Pavers aligned at the entry provide a turnaround space while contributing a sense of formality to the entrance and emphasizing the ADU's individual identity.

Green design: Reuse/renovation - captured embodied carbon in existing construction, 12kw solar PV with battery backup, converted domestic hot water and heating systems to heat pumps from natural gas, converted cooktop from gas to induction, substantially updated insulation in walls, ceiling and floors, air-sealed exterior walls, new insulated windows throughout