Jim Schmid Photography

With a compact form and several integrated sustainable systems, the Capitol Hill Residence achieves the client’s goals to maximize the site’s views and resources while responding to its micro climate. Some of the sustainable systems are architectural in nature. For example, the roof rainwater collects into a steel entry water feature, day light from a typical overcast Seattle sky penetrates deep into the house through a central translucent slot, and exterior mounted mechanical shades prevent excessive heat gain without sacrificing the view. Hidden systems affect the energy consumption of the house such as the buried geothermal wells and heat pumps that aid in both heating and cooling, and a 30 panel photovoltaic system mounted on the roof feeds electricity back to the grid. The minimal foundation sits within the footprint of the previous house, while the upper floors cantilever off the foundation as if to float above the front entry water feature and surrounding landscape. The house is divided by a sloped translucent ceiling that contains the main circulation space and stair allowing daylight deep into the core. Acrylic cantilevered treads with glazed guards and railings keep the visual appearance of the stair light and airy allowing the living and dining spaces to flow together. While the footprint and overall form of the Capitol Hill Residence were shaped by the restrictions of the site, the architectural and mechanical systems at work define the aesthetic. Working closely with a team of engineers, landscape architects, and solar designers we were able to arrive at an elegant, environmentally sustainable home that achieves the needs of the clients, and fits within the context of the site and surrounding community. (c) Steve Keating Photography

Paul Crosby

The existing 1950’s ranch house was remodeled by this firm during a 4-year period commencing in 1997. Following the Phase I remodel and master bedroom loft addition, the property was sold to the present owners, a retired geologist and freelance artist. The geologist discovered the largest gas reserve in Wyoming, which he named ‘Jonah’. The new owners program included a guest bedroom suite and an office. The owners wanted the addition to express their informal lifestyle of entertaining small and large groups in a setting that would recall their worldly travels. The new 2 story, 1,475 SF guest house frames the courtyard and contains an upper level office loft and a main level guest bedroom, sitting room and bathroom suite. All rooms open to the courtyard or rear Zen garden. The centralized fire pit / water feature defines the courtyard while creating an axial alignment with the circular skylight in the guest house loft. At the time of Jonahs’ discovery, sunlight tracks through the skylight, directly into the center of the courtyard fire pit, giving the house a subliminal yet personal attachment to the present owners. Different types and textures of stone are used throughout the guest house to respond to the owner’s geological background. A rotating work-station, the courtyard ‘room’, a stainless steel Japanese soaking tub, the communal fire pit, and the juxtaposition of refined materials and textured stone reinforce the owner’s extensive travel and communal experiences. Photo: Frank Ooms

Photo Credit: Mark Boisclair Photography

Casey Dunn Photography

The key living spaces of this mountainside house are nestled in an intimate proximity to a granite outcrop on one side while opening to expansive distant views on the other. Situated at the top of a mountain in the Laurentians with a commanding view of the valley below; the architecture of this house was well situated to take advantage of the site. This discrete siting within the terrain ensures both privacy from a nearby road and a powerful connection to the rugged terrain and distant mountainscapes. The client especially likes to watch the changing weather moving through the valley from the long expanse of the windows. Exterior materials were selected for their tactile earthy quality which blends with the natural context. In contrast, the interior has been rendered in subtle simplicity to bring a sense of calm and serenity as a respite from busy urban life and to enjoy the inside as a non-competing continuation of nature’s drama outside. An open plan with prismatic spaces heightens the sense of order and lightness. The interior was finished with a minimalist theme and all extraneous details that did not contribute to function were eliminated. The first principal room accommodates the entry, living and dining rooms, and the kitchen. The kitchen is very elegant because the main working components are in the pantry. The client, who loves to entertain, likes to do all of the prep and plating out of view of the guests. The master bedroom with the ensuite bath, wardrobe, and dressing room also has a stunning view of the valley. It features a his and her vanity with a generous curb-less shower stall and a soaker tub in the bay window. Through the house, the built-in cabinets, custom designed the bedroom furniture, minimalist trim detail, and carefully selected lighting; harmonize with the neutral palette chosen for all finishes. This ensures that the beauty of the surrounding nature remains the star performer.

21st Century Bungalow-Style Home - Living room with 30 foot ceilings featuring a custom designed tiled fireplace with engineered stone hearth and custom mantle flanked by custom shelving and entertainment unit that enhances the board-and-baton style wall treatment

Level Two: In the master bedroom, a king-size bed covered in bronze leather is flanked by coral table lamps. The barrel ceiling is finished in cherry wood. Photograph © Darren Edwards, San Diego

View of rear of house from terrace. Cathy Schwabe, AIA. Photograph by David Wakely.

Grey Crawford

Ziger/Snead Architects with Jenkins Baer Associates Photography by Alain Jaramillo

Photos Courtesy of Sharon Risedorph

This home office is a fabulous loft exposed to the high slanted ceilings with a skylight...and an amazing ocen view. The light is constantly changing throught this open room and below as the sun moves from the east to the west.

This home was built in 1952. the was completely gutted and the floor plans was opened to provide for a more contemporary lifestyle. A simple palette of concrete, wood, metal, and stone provide an enduring atmosphere that respects the vintage of the home. Please note that due to the volume of inquiries & client privacy regarding our projects we unfortunately do not have the ability to answer basic questions about materials, specifications, construction methods, or paint colors. Thank you for taking the time to review our projects. We look forward to hearing from you if you are considering to hire an architect or interior Designer.

Photo Credit: Andy Beasley Exposed brick walls, dark joinery and contrasting textures and soft furnishings allows this space to have a lovely homely feel while still being a contemporary family home. A wood burning fire in the sitting area creates a toasty corner, even in an open plan room. A multi use space for entertaining and family life this project is still a hit, and a favourite of ours and the public. The space can be opened up to bring the outside, in. By opening up the huge sliding glazed doors onto the patio you create an even larger space where life can spill out into the garden, and equally lets nature into the home with a breath of fresh air. The pendant lights above the table from John Lewis – William Bottle Glass Pendants from the Croft collection £130 each. These are such simple lights with a hint of detail and a slightly industrial feel ties in beautifully with the metal star table lamp on the bespoke side table.