© Casey Dunn Photography

Photography by Simon Maxwell

Photos by Slawek Sawicki - Loarnet Ltd., Elite Metalcraft Ltd

This remodel of an architect’s Seattle bungalow goes beyond simple renovation. It starts with the idea that, once completed, the house should look as if had been built that way originally. At the same time, it recognizes that the way a house was built in 1926 is not for the way we live today. Architectural pop-outs serve as window seats or garden windows. The living room and dinning room have been opened up to create a larger, more flexible space for living and entertaining. The ceiling in the central vestibule was lifted up through the roof and topped with a skylight that provides daylight to the middle of the house. The broken-down garage in the back was transformed into a light-filled office space that the owner-architect refers to as the “studiolo.” Bosworth raised the roof of the stuidiolo by three feet, making the volume more generous, ensuring that light from the north would not be blocked by the neighboring house and trees, and improving the relationship between the studiolo and the house and courtyard.

Given a challenging lot configuration and topography, along with privacy issues, we had to get creative in designing this home. The home is divided into four basic living zones: private owner’s suite, informal living area, kids area upstairs, and a flexible guest entertaining area. The entry is unique in that it takes you directly through to the outdoor living area, and also provides separation of the owners’ private suite from the rest of the home. There are no formal living or dining areas; instead the breakfast and family rooms were enlarged to entertain more comfortably in an informal manner. One great feature of the detached casita is that it has a lower activity area, which helps the house connect to the property below. This contemporary haven in Barton Creek is a beautiful example of a chic and elegant design that creates a very practical and informal space for living.

Flagstone patio, natural stone steps, natural stone walkway, private sitting area, retaining walls, terrace on hillside, landscaping sloped area, outdoor lighting.

Photo by Ben Benschneider https://www.benschneiderphoto.com/