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Originally built in 1950, this stunning Seattle lake house was lovingly remodeled by the homeowners along with Shed Architects, nestled on the shores of Lake Washington. The project team worked together, creating a family home where an old and new structure speaks to one another and the surrounding terrain.
Attention to detail can be found throughout this 5,400-square-foot dwelling, which offers four bedrooms and five bathrooms. Luxurious yet lived-in, the house is full of wabi-sabi touches and a whole lot of Shou Sugi Ban Siding (burnt wood siding) sourced from Nakamoto Forestry. Continue below to see the rest of this incredible lakeside abode…
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Shed Architects CONTRACTOR Whelbilt Homes STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Todd Perbix LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT Alchemie LANDSCAPE CONTRACTOR Ohashi Landscape Services INTERIOR DESIGN Jennie Gruss ART CURATION Tim Pfeiffer CASEWORK Beechtree Woodworks FABRICATOR Twisted Metal WINDOWS & DOORS Washington Windows and Doors METAL SIDING, ROOFING, GUTTERS Vashon Sheet Metal SIDING CONTRACTOR DOM Construction SHOU SUGI BAN SIDING Nakamoto Forestry
Above: Shou Sugi Ban Siding is used on the exterior facade: Product: Suyaki 1×6 select grade shiplap. Suyaki 1×8 select grade S3S Prefinish: Tung Oil Black
SITE
The main house is integrated into its waterfront setting with the addition of a Black Pine Cabin, a separate space for guests, and storage. To create room for the new structure, the team demolished an existing carport/garden shed and covered walkway, intentionally setting the cabin apart from the main house to create a connection from the entry to the lake, with the landscape becoming a space that joins them together.
PROGRAM
Honoring the history and sound construction of the residence, the owners decided to renovate rather than demolish, requesting an upgrade to the facade, reinforcement of retaining walls, and a general clean-up of the property’s dated design elements. The team’s initial design moves happened on the main level. Replacing a lanai with a dining room facing Mt. Rainier, the team removed all interior walls to create an open living, kitchen, and dining area where the visual connection to the lake is emphasized.
Organized around a large, central island aligned with the dining room, the main floor plan allows for free flow of circulation and living throughout. The team added new decks to extend living space outdoors, an elevated perch from which to enjoy the view and survey the landscape.
Making small changes to existing walls and plumbing locations, the project team reconfigured the upper floors to accommodate en-suite bedrooms for both parents and kids. The basement is entertainment-ready with a kitchenette, large living and TV room, laundry room, and a new bathroom—altogether serving as a portal to and from the lake.
DESIGN
A design element of particular note is a custom wooden screen concealing the sliding doors on the interior of the home, creating texture while allowing light to flood in. Additionally, the team designed custom entry doors for the main residence and boathouse that reflect a similar aesthetic.
On the exterior of the home, SHED used a limited palette of materials: brick, burned Japanese cypress, concrete, and metal paneling. The house is formed on white brick walls, anchored to the site, holding up a darker volume clad in shou sugi ban siding—a material echoed on the boathouse that will gain patina with age and result in a beautiful home for years to come. To emulate the feeling of the San Juan Islands, the architects incorporated a sauna, a family-sized cedar hot tub, a fire pit, wood storage, an outdoor shower, and a barbecue area into the landscape.
PERFORMANCE
PV-ready home
Tesla battery chargers
Efficient heating and cooling
High-performance GLO windows throughout
What We Love: This Seattle lake house was completely reimagined to maximize water views from every room at the rear of the property. A material palette of brick, burned Japanese cypress, concrete, and metal paneling on the exterior facade creates an attractive aesthetic from both the street and the water. Overall, the project team did a fabulous job of opening up the floor plan to visually connect the spaces with the fabulous surroundings.
Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this home? Would you do anything differently? Please let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fascinating home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: Before & After: A Bainbridge Island home gets a stunning renovation and An absolutely exquisite Scandinavian inspired lake house in Washington.
PHOTOGRAPHER Rafael Soldi
