When I first purchased this house in West Seattle, I did so not because of what was there, but because of what the property could support, and what the existing structure could help create. In other words, for its transformative potential.
When I think in terms of the transformative potential of an existing structure and its land, I’m primarily occupied with the idea of a shift in lifestyle. It’s not an exercise in what I can get away with, but rather, how the occupants want to live in their new environment. In other words, what’s the best way to achieve their new lifestyle with the resources at hand. How can a well-designed home transform you?
This remodeled 60’s rambler includes open floor plan with views and doors leading to rear gardens, perfect for entertaining. It’s a compact 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths, 1,440 square foot environmentally sustainable home that feels much larger than it’s actual size. What was once a small house with many small rooms has transformed into an open and airy loft-like space with diagonal vistas and shared natural light.
Eco friendly throughout, this home features high character grade Madrona hardwood floors, non-toxic, low-v.o.c. toxicity finishes, terrazzo tiled bathroom floors & natural felted wool carpet-tiled bedrooms. At it’s core is a Kerf Design custom cabinetry & built-ins in Kitchen, Bathrooms and Bedroom. Extensive book shelving and reclaimed wood mantel surround living room fireplace.
A South-facing, 52 foot ridge skylight running the entire length of the roof and gable-end glass allow natural light to flood the home, even on overcast days GREAT natural light! Every room has at least two directions of natural light, including a bedroom with a skylight below the ridge skylight, another bedroom with gable-end glass & the Master with windows on all four walls. Exposed joist high ceiling can be found in Kitchen, Dining & Living Rooms, 11' Ceiling in Master Bedroom. Master Bedroom and second Bedroom have direct access to garden patio in rear.
All exterior walls have been furred out and insulated to achieve optimum thermal efficiency. 50 yr standing seam, metal roof with high solar reflectance. A thick layer of rigid insulation was installed above the exposed roof structure (like a warm blanket) to achieve optimum thermal efficiency.
Front and Rear yards terraced with eco-friendly gabion walls, rock filled cages that don't use concrete, a high-energy material. Bonus 500 SF of unimproved alley in rear was legally permitted for additional rear garden terrace with views of Sound & Mountains. Fully fenced yard with patio, lawn and gardens that are fully landscaped to include mature trees, rows of lavender, kiwi vines, espalier apple and pear trees, apricot & fig trees, lilac, an herb garden, and a dry riverbed path leading from top terrace to front entry.
Energy efficient home with low carbon-footprint feels much larger than its actual size due to high ceilings, shared light and diagonal views throughout.