WASHINGTON PARK HILLSIDE RESIDENCE SEATTLE, WA SQ. FT

WASHINGTON PARK HILLSIDE RESIDENCE SEATTLE, WA SQ. FT: 6,871 Our clients wanted a home that would stand the test of time and respond to the needs of their family including three children. It is located on an east facing bluff above Lake Washington with sweeping views of the lake, Mt Rainier, and the Cascades Mountains. The diagram for the design of this home forms an unequal “H” with entry, living and dining areas located in a single pavilion-like structure in the middle section of the home flanked by two long wings. The east/west orienting wings contain most of the home’s more private spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, and den. The east/west wings are separated from the living/dining pavilion by two canal-like water courses which are daily reminders of the beauty of water and its importance to this home’s Pacific Northwest location. As metaphors they not only provide separation but are also subtle reminders of the nature of passage; not only physical but also in life as one navigates through the home. The “canals” draw the eye, not only to the changing reflections provided by the water, but also to the more focused views of the mountains beyond. Exposed steel beams span the living/dining room pavilion in an expression of its structure and to articulate its volume. Long overhangs accentuate the linear quality of the east/west wings. The horizontal banding pattern of the stone cladding further reinforces the horizontal quality of the “H” plan. While the central pavilion is mostly glass, the wings, in contrast, are mostly solid except at their ends to open to the views. A good deal of care was used in detailing the interior. Stair treads are cantilevered from the stone entry wall. This double-sided stone wall is intended to merge the inside with outside. By supporting the treads from the wall we were able to minimize the structure required to support the stair thereby lightening its appearance. Open risers encourage light to reach the lower level from the skylight above. A floating entry divider made of blackened steel is cantilevered from a steel column and provides a place to display art on the entry side and a supports a buffet on the dining room side. Other steel details such as lintels above the door openings, fireplace surrounds, and a mailbox reinforce the overall design. The double-sided fireplace features a bronze log cast from driftwood.

Green Features There are many green features designed into this home designed to reduce its impact on the environment. In designing this home we thought holistically about its various components and incorporated as many products as possible that made sense from a cost/benefit analysis.

Site Protection and Water Use:

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A gray water collection system that allows reuse of water for irrigation. By collecting water from the roof and storing it in underground cisterns we are able to reuse it later for irrigation needs.

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A green roof over the living dining rooms to reduce heating and cooling and to absorb some of the rain water to reduce storm water runoff.

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Solar hot water panels which are a collection of tubes will provide hot water requirements for the home.

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Use of only low VOC products inside the house including carpets, grouts, adhesives, cabinetry and paints.

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Reuse, sale, recycling, or donation of building materials.

A gray water system for toilet flushing to reduce water requirements. Drought tolerant plantings and a little turf to reduce irrigation requirements.

Dual flush toilets, low flow plumbing fixtures to reduce domestic water needs. Energy Efficiency: ENERGY STAR rated windows (U=.35 minimum) An arbor on the South side will provides natural shading in the summer when heat gain is the most intense. Radiant heating provides the most efficient heat source. Super insulation (above code requirements) in walls and ceilings reduces heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. ENERGY STAR appliances will reduce electrical needs.

Programmable thermostats and timed exhaust fans will reduce electrical energy requirements. Health and Indoor Air Quality: Mold resistant drywall in the basement. Use of HEPA filters (high efficiency particulate air) to eliminate air born particulates. Cross ventilation in all bedrooms with operable windows. Carbon monoxide filters Heat Recovery Ventilation system to insure multiple air changes each hour.

Whole house water filter system to insure clean healthy water quality. Sustainability: 100-year exterior building materials including stone cladding, and metal facias. FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified wood products including framing (50%), flooring, and cabinets. Structural steel framing reduces the use of large lumber sections.

View of house west.

SECTION

PARTI

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4. 2. 4.

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DIAGRAM 1

DIAGRAM 2

1. Solar Hot Water: Preheats in-floor radiant & supplies 70% of hot water needs 2. Green Roof: Controls rainwater runoff & adds insulation 3. Rain Water Cistern: For irrigation & domestic gray water use 4. Reclaimed IPE decking 5. FSC Certified Framing

1. Public Space 2. Private Space 3. Water Course 4. Circulation

2.

Terrace, east elevation

View towards house entry and water course.

View from house along course to concrete wall and small waterfall.

Living room view

View of stair and exposed steel columns at living room.

Upper story landing showing continuous skylight and doublesided stone wall.

Cantilever stair detail

View of exposed steel

Mailbox slot detail

Kitchen with family room in the foreground.