PHINNEY RIDGE RESIDENCE

Location:  Phinney Ridge - Seattle, Washington
Type:  Residential

Located in the Phinney Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, the owner of this existing 2600-square-foot mid-century home wanted to transform their living space to something that was contemporary,  visually interesting, and functional; and that was also ADA accessible. In addition to reworking the main floor to create a fully accessible environment, the project included a 530-square-foot second-floor addition, and incorporating custom metalwork and other sculptural design elements. 

All existing living spaces on the main floor, including the kitchen and bathroom, were taken down to the studs and reworked to create a wheelchair friendly environment. In the living room, the fireplace was redesigned to feature cast concrete and steel elements.  Custom-designed front and back entry doors were crafted in metal and reflect the owners interest in the material as well as serving as signature design elements. To support the upper addition, steel columns were threaded through the house from top to bottom, minimizing the structure to preserve as much open space as possible on the main floor to ensure a barrier-free floor plan. 

A floating staircase, crafted of wood, raw steel plate and rods leads to the second floor, and serves as a sculptural focal point. Windows on the second floor bathe the stair in natural light.  The slender vertical steel rods, which run the full height of the staircase, serve to frame the enclosure, while ensuring that the space remains light and airy. Steel plate guardrails enclose the second floor landing and continue on the second floor to reinforce the metal detailing throughout.  The second story contains the master suite and is intended to evoke the feeling of a sanctuary.  Views of the distant Olympic Mountains are afforded from the bedroom and bathroom windows, bringing the Northwest's natural elements directly into this urban dwelling.

The simple aesthetic of the home extends to the back yard, where an updated 240-square-foot shed now serves as an entertaining space to be enjoyed with friends and family.  

Photography:  John Granen