Laurelhurst Midcentury

Seattle, WA, United States

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Laurelhurst Midcentury

Seattle, WA, United States

Firm

mwworks

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2014

Photos

Jeremy Bittermann (32)

The owners, a young family with two children, had recently moved into a midcentury home in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Seattle. Designed by Ibsen Nelsen in 1961, the layout of this home was immediately appealing but the character and flow between spaces wasn't a good fit for the patterns of their daily life. The design task was to renovate the home while respecting its soul and extending its lifespan.
High on the owner's wish list were increased physical and visual connections between rooms and to the outdoors. A central feature of the original design was a courtyard garden, experienced primarily through the living room. Careful reconsideration of the openings surrounding this intimate space reframed it as a tranquil organizing element of the house, central not just to the living room but also to the entry, the daily circulation paths and the more informal spaces of the home.
An inviting kitchen with strong connections to other interior and exterior spaces for entertaining and play was vital to the new owners. The original kitchen was walled off from the dining area, isolated from other living spaces and had limited access to the yard and view. Limited structural changes united these spaces and sliding glass doors expand the family's activities onto the new deck and patio, framing views of the waterway, Husky stadium, and the Olympic Mountains beyond. Detailing the casework like freestanding blocks rather than walls allows the spaces to flow into each other more freely.
While the owners preferred to keep the character of the major hipped roof form, they also wished for improved vertical proportions and increased visibility out of upper level windows. Simplification of minor roof forms around the periphery allowed bedroom window sills to be lowered so children could enjoy the views. Single pane windows throughout were replaced by modern glazing systems and extended floor to ceiling where needed for a sense of height. Upgraded insulation and high efficiency radiant floor heat system allowed the removal of ductwork and low ceilings, while dramatically reducing the home's energy consumption. The main roof has since been outfitted with a large solar array. While staying true to its original bones, this midcentury renovation is ready for another century of life.

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Laurelhurst Midcentury

Seattle, WA, United States

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Laurelhurst Midcentury

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Collaborating Firms

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Laurelhurst Midcentury

Seattle, WA, United States

Other Projects by mwworks

Whidbey Island Farm Retreat

Magnolia Residence

Little House

Helen Street

Case Inlet Retreat

Canyon Barn

Laurelhurst Midcentury

Seattle, WA, United States

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team