Originally built over four decades ago on Fox Island, Washington, this beachfront home has undergone a complete renovation by Olson Kundig Architects. This sensational dwelling showcases unobstructed views of Puget Sound and an island wildlife area to the west.

Opening up these previously constrained views and integrating the family’s active coastal lifestyle into the home served as the primary directives for the new design. Reclaimed antique wood floors and sandy-colored cedar board ceilings and interior walls achieve the desired Northwest natural aesthetic.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Olson Kundig INTERIOR DESIGN Olson Kundig BUILDER Schuchart/Dow STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Bykonen Carter Quinn LIGHTING DESIGNER Moonbeam Lighting

Exposed wood pillars supporting a new clerestory window line are paired with a corresponding row of pillars outside, and beachgrasses push against the new wall-height windows, connecting the interior and exterior. Hidden pivot points in several of these window walls open the west side of the home to the outdoors, extending the livable area out to the newly remodeled deck.

The scope of this project entailed the addition of foundations and an expansion of the great room while harmoniously connecting the kitchen and owner’s bedroom suite, along with the complete overhaul of the exterior structure and landscaping. 

The subdued interior offers a neutral backdrop for the client’s eclectic art collection, and opening up the stairwell and upper-level hallway created new views of the artworks below. The result is a visual connection between the home’s two floors and the coastal landscape beyond.

What We Love: This beachfront home renovation provides a complete overhaul of the interior and exterior to provide a family with a retreat that will last for generations. Despite the modern furnishings and artwork, this home feels warm and inviting thanks to the use of wood on the floors, walls, and ceilings. Large windows help to capture the serene views of the Puget Sound along with bringing in an abundance of natural light.

Tell Us: Would this be your idea of the ultimate family getaway house? Let us know why or why not in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other spectacular home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: Before & After: A Bainbridge Island home gets a stunning renovation and An absolutely exquisite Scandinavian inspired lake house in Washington.

Baba reclaimed oak wood floors were installed throughout the interiors.

14-foot tall custom steel pivot door along with Fleetwood pivot doors and windows were installed throughout the house. The cedar panel ceiling that had been installed in the original house was salvaged and refinished. A clear vertical grain cedar paneling was applied to the walls, ceilings, and columns. Oak casework, doors, and cabinets were fabricated offsite.

The builder installed the gas fireplaces and fabricated steel surrounds that have hidden television and access panels. The most notable interior element is the architectural sandblasted steel bridge that passes through the entire second level of the interior great room, accessing the upper guest room, bathroom, office, and outdoor deck.

The exterior decks were done with Ipe wood. The original asphalt driveway was removed and replaced with pervious eco-pavers and the tennis court and pathways were resurfaced. For the finishing touches, new landscaping and lighting were installed, including the addition of raw steel planter boxes and landscape walls.

PHOTOGRAPHER Aaron Leitz Photography