Remodeling
Entryway Attraction
Reconstruction of this Phinney Ridge home’s façade opened up views to the Olympics
BY
Luci Masredjian
PHOTOGRAPHY
Brian Francis


THE CHALLENGE: The entryway of this 1950s home contradicted the personality of its home-owners. Unwelcoming, standoffish and awkward, it needed a change. A second story added in 1987 had created an overwhelming exterior and had virtually hidden the front door. Inside, a large staircase burdened the entry space.

THE SOLUTION: Matt Hutchins, principal of CAST Architecture, designed an addition that would reconstruct the façade—and double as a guest room and office. “We wanted this addition to float over the driveway, to make the structure of the house disappear,” Hutchins says.

The design modified the entry stair with the addition of an art niche and half wall providing more spacious surroundings. Most existing windows were enlarged, and more were strategically added to increase natural light and views of the Olympics and Puget Sound. 

Upstairs, the west wall was turned almost entirely into a window. “What the clients love the most is that as you make it through the house, you get different qualities of light through different spaces,” Hutchins says. “Now you can see shadow patterns—it’s an intriguing, three-dimensional composition.”

Highlights:
  • Asymmetrically balanced windows present a dynamic, energetic façade, without exposing the interior of the home.
  • The wall and roof leading to the front door are covered in 18 feet of rich cedar, creating warmth.
  • Vertical and horizontal slot windows allow views of the outdoor path and let in light from the north.
  • A practical and attractive look is achieved through the use of natural elements and custom earth-toned paint.
  • A roof over the once blank wall provides enclosure and brings a sense of scale to the entry. 

design details
Architect
Matt Hutchins, CAST Architecture, 4216 Sixth Ave. N.W., (206) 256-9886, castarchitecture.com