Krannitz Kent Architects has designed this amazing contemporary lake house with a unique connection to its natural surroundings in Seattle, Washington. Inside, light-filled living spaces blur the boundaries between indoors and out courtesy of immense walls of glazing.
Building elements are organized into attached/detached pavilions based on the floor plan layout, a hierarchy of structure, and levels of privacy. The pavilions are dislocated around a unifying north/south glass spine/bridge that allows for an abundance of natural light, compelling vistas through the building to the surrounding landscape, lake, and beyond.
The push-pull of building elements around the organizing circulation spine generates intriguing exterior landscaped spaces that inhabit the zones between each pavilion.
A series of water features reinforce the pavilion’s relationship to the lake. A spring box at the edge of the auto court and a spring box west of the two main pavilions feed water features, which appear to flow underneath the structures into a larger architectonic water feature. This water feature then pours into a larger body of water that was developed to feel like a native pond adjacent to the lake. This pond is connected visually (and when it rains, literally) to the lake beyond.
Terraces are positioned adjacent to primary living areas in order to further integrate the buildings to the site. The existing monolithic bulkhead is pierced by three new coves that restore the lakeshore back to its imagined natural beauty which in turn allows the family to enjoy activities at the water’s edge.
What We Love: This amazing lake house design provides its occupants with sophisticated living spaces surrounded by a magnificent natural landscape. Indoor and outdoor lines are blurred with expansive walls of glass, helping to flood the interiors with natural light. We are loving the overall concept of this home’s design, with unique water features, fabulous outdoor living spaces, and inviting guest quarters.
Tell Us: What design elements in this lake house do you find most appealing and why in the Comments below!
Note: Have a look at a couple of other fantastic home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: Elegant renovation of a family home with a modern twist on Lake Washington and Striking shelter of wood, concrete and glass captures views over Puget Sound.
In order to directly connect the main living areas of the lake house to the adjacent lakeshore, large concrete “lily pads” were designed, which appear to float on the water feature and provide dry passage over it between the house and the main terrace.
In order to balance the environmental impact of a large pre-existing lawn, the remaining gardens utilize a palette of contextually appropriate native plant materials. The end result is a seamless integration of architecture, landscape architecture, and nature.
Low-E energy-efficient double-pane thermally broken steel windows and doors made from 100% recycled materials with narrow sight lines allow for unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, maximize daylighting and provide passive ventilation.
Above: Shou-Sugi-Ban wood siding wraps from the exterior of the building envelope to the interior living spaces.
High R-value foamed-in-place insulation was utilized throughout the structure for an energy-efficient envelope. Geothermal energy is captured to heat/cool the building through radiant floor heating/cooling.
Ultraviolet water purification systems along with natural in-place filtering beds within the water features allow for the use of recirculated/recycled water and lake water can be utilized as auxiliary irrigation (as allowed by the local jurisdiction) to conserve fresh water.
Above: Bronze and blown glass LED seed pods hang from slat ceilings below the skylight that connects the dining room with the outdoor room.
Above: A simple, cyclical palette of wood, stone, concrete, steel, and large window walls enables the architecture to recede and allow nature to take center stage.
Above: The open fireplace allows fluid connections between adjacent spaces.
Above: Lift and slide doors open at both corners of the sitting room to provide unobstructed views of the lake and blur the line between interior and exterior space.
Above: The powder bathroom features an art glass ceiling.
Above: The powder bathroom features a backlit art glass wall.
Above: Lift and slide doors open at the corner of the primary bedroom to a private deck, offering unobstructed views of the lake and beyond.
Above: In the primary bathroom, three-dimensional tiles are lit from a skylight above the vanity to create shadows and texture on the walls. The faucets in the bathroom are the Dornbracht MEM series.
Above: This amazing lake house also has a guest house on the property. The bedroom features a custom-designed bed with an integrated sofa.
Above: The guest suite was envisioned as a spa-like sanctuary for overnight guests
A hidden stone patio to the north creates a private space to engage the lakeshore, and two outdoor rooms with fire pits were placed at some distance from the pavilions for the family to enjoy the lake at night.
PHOTOGRAPHER Ben Benschneider
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