Photographer: Miguel Edwards
Located in Seattle, the Azaya Residence is a two story, three bedroom house with a home office and studio. The client, a young couple with two small children, recognized sustainable design strategies. The result is a modern residence that makes use of passive solar design, daylighting, natural ventilation, and energy efficient systems to minimize energy use.
After months of searching, the client purchased a dilapidated house on a nice corner lot with majestic views of Lake Washington and Mercer Island. To reduce landfill waste and new material, the decision was made to reuse the existing foundation in the construction of the new house. To achieve this, the project utilizes a unique structural arrangement, fitting a modern home to an old chassis. The main level features, kids rooms, design studio, and master suite. From the main level, an interior stair opens to exposes the upper level with dining, living, kitchen, and Office. Rooftop decks and a green roof replace lost ground space.
The design encourages natural ventilation and passive shading, while in–floor radiant heating, a high efficiency water heater, and appliances minimize energy use. With the interior spaces naturally ventilated, the orientation provides ample sunlight into the bright white interior and the central open-riser steel staircase helps pull light into the hallway below. Throughout the house, sustainable materials were utilized, such as low VOC paints and finishes, and low maintenance materials.