Longing to tear down the original home, clients requested a new, larger home in the same spot that evoked the same feelings as the one demolished. Taking on the task was Sandall Norrie Architects, in collaboration with Swivel Interiors, who designed the Modern Treehouse to live amongst the lush greenery while optimizing views of Lake Washington and Mt. Rainer. The new home is more modern and open with seamless connections to the outdoors. The results are a mid-century inspired design that leans towards minimalism, while still capturing the homeowner’s diverse tastes.
The design comprises a series of glass and solid boxes that are pushed towards or back from the lake, and pushed in and out from the street. This drives the connection between the indoors and out.
Playful details and pops of color enliven the space and keep it from being too minimal.
Throughout the house, various works of art curated by Swivel Interiors, can be seen, including the Texas Longhorn photograph by Robin Layton in the kitchen.
Folding glass doors just off the main living space open up to expand the usable space. When relaxing on the deck, you really get the feeling of living within the trees while still enjoying views of the water.
In addition to white walls and surfaces, wooden panels wrap walls for added warmth and texture. The blonde wood tones down the harshness that just black and white interiors can bring.
Looking out the windows on the second and third floors, it’s easy to spot two green roofs.
The cantilevered top floor contains the main bedroom suite with two walls of windows looking out to the treetops and water.
While the interior is light and bright, the exterior goes dark with a dark gray stained rough sawn cedar siding and darkened steel elements to match.
Photos by Andrew Giammarco.
