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Houzz Tour: A Glass-walled Seattle House With Stunning Lake Views
Lots of light, natural wood and sleek fixtures make for an inviting contemporary home on the shores of Lake Washington
When these homeowners bought their property on the west shore of Seattle’s Lake Washington several years ago, they knew they had won the real estate equivalent of a lottery ticket, thanks to the views and holiday feel of the home and area.
When it came time to redecorate, the couple called in architect Jim Castanes to give the home a little refresher, really just to polish up the pieces. ‘We were all going into this project thinking it was going to be relatively small,’ says Castanes, ‘but …’ He looks to project manager Alev Seymen, who laughs and finishes the sentence: ‘We all had too much fun with the ideas we were coming up with.’
The team enlarged the house, modernised its style and maximised the potential of each of its three levels to take full advantage of the lake views and the plot’s narrow size.
When it came time to redecorate, the couple called in architect Jim Castanes to give the home a little refresher, really just to polish up the pieces. ‘We were all going into this project thinking it was going to be relatively small,’ says Castanes, ‘but …’ He looks to project manager Alev Seymen, who laughs and finishes the sentence: ‘We all had too much fun with the ideas we were coming up with.’
The team enlarged the house, modernised its style and maximised the potential of each of its three levels to take full advantage of the lake views and the plot’s narrow size.
The clients loved the home’s previous traditional style, but were looking for something more contemporary without going too modern. Castanes bridged the gap with a transitional style that features cedar siding and Milestone, an integral-coloured, cement-based material that goes on smooth for a Venetian-plaster-type finish. Lots of new glazing, including bifold windows, focus attention on the lake and the landscaped gardens. Decks on each level facilitate an indoor-outdoor connection. The lower level was designed for entertaining. A kitchenette extends out to a barbecue and concrete bar. Stepping stones salvaged from the previous plot were used to create a patio covered by a retractable canvas. The stepping stones form a path over the grass to the lake. The sloped roof directs rainwater through a 15cm powder-coated-steel pipe into a trellis fountain. The water flows into a small creek along the garden before it’s collected in two underground 1,500-gallon cisterns for irrigation.
In addition to being a green component, the water feature creates a lovely ambience in the backyard and nearby rooms. ‘The house is close to a floating bridge, which is loud,’ says Castanes. ‘This mitigates those sounds with a much more pleasant white noise.’
While the backyard is all about celebrating the views and the guests, the front yard is more demure. ‘The street is active with pedestrians and traffic,’ says Seymen. ‘In response to this, we gave the entrance plenty of privacy.’ The proportions of the front are scaled down to a pedestrian level. The translucent garage door lights up the driveway at night. Copper shingles from the previous structure were used for the new roof.
A Cor-Ten steel gate with Mondrian-style laser cuts creates visual interest as well as purpose. The lines were carefully placed at the clients’ (and their dog’s) eye levels so everyone can see who’s at the door before opening it.
Once inside the house, guests are greeted by warm oak features, including an exposed staircase. The landing, originally planned as the dog’s spot, was reconsidered as an intimate gathering area. Raw steel benches were formed out of a hefty planter. Cast-glass banisters play into the weighty feel. ‘But don’t worry,’ says Castanes, laughing. ‘We found the dog another good spot.’
Check out some of the best ways to use natural wood
Check out some of the best ways to use natural wood
The see-through fireplace, featuring a Milestone surround, separates the living and dining rooms. Matching chairs were inherited from the lady of the house’s mother. They were reupholstered to match the new furnishings. Because the man of the house is tall, Castanes gave him as much height as the room could provide by opening up the joist space. Combined with the tall windows and endless views, it gives the room an airy feel.
The kitchen, also on the second floor, was designed to allow good circulation and interaction between the cook and guests. ‘The island gives the audience a view of what’s happening, while the chef has unfettered access to the sink, hob, refrigerator and ovens,’ describes Seymen. Again, because the man is tall – and an avid home chef, too – Castanes used a retractable hood to protect his head from knocking against it.
Countertops, waterfall edge: Carrara marble; hood: Miele
Countertops, waterfall edge: Carrara marble; hood: Miele
The lower level is where much of the summer is spent. The family room opens to the gardens by way of a small dining area. A built-in divider provides a visual separation between the family room and the dining room-kitchenette, as well as a banister to help guests migrate through the bilevel room. While the family room is carpeted, the kitchenette floor is made of integral-coloured concrete to give muddy feet (or paws) a chance to be cleaned before they reach the carpeting.
Adjacent to the family room, the house’s wine cellar is always stocked to keep parties festive. The safe doors were salvaged from a local bank. A bistro table and chair set offers a convenient spot for selecting wines for the next celebration. Though the couple thought their former house was a winner, they are even happier with the new outcome. I suppose it is possible to win the lottery twice.
Take a look at some other ideas for storing your wine
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Take a look at some other ideas for storing your wine
Liked this? Share your thoughts in the Comments below.