This beautiful remodel and addition to a 1950s house in Seattle, Washington opens up the original floor plan and creates a new entry sequence, providing a view through the house and reinforcing indoor-outdoor connections. Designed by Seattle-based firm Olson Kundig Architects, who decided to keep the basic structure of the residence preserved. Existing wood siding was re-stained and portions of the exterior were clad in unsealed hot-rolled steel. Adding a transparent door and window wall, as well as lifting the roof line at the front of the house, improves the flow of the entry sequence and creates connections to the rest of the house.

Selected interior walls were removed as part of the remodel, and a new stair with translucent railings links previously separated spaces. The original stone fireplace is clad in steel. The installation of radiant heat concrete slab flooring, SIPS roofing panels and upgrades to the mechanical and electrical systems boost the environmental performance of the house.

Visit the website of Olson Kundig Architects here.

Photos: Tim Bies & Courtesy of Olson Kundig Architects