Architectural studio Silk Cavassa Marchetti has created this visually striking modern house on Lake Washington in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Seattle. The gently sloping site faces south with views of the lake and territorial views of Seattle. The homeowners wanted to create a light-filled residence that could meet the lifestyle needs of their growing family of five and enable them to entertain comfortably.

In response, the architects crafted an open-concept home with a centrally located double-volume living room. The kitchen and family room share the same open space and are immediately adjacent to the living room. On the second level, an overlooking walkway is open to the living room and connects the bedrooms which flank either side of the living room.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE Silk Cavassa Marchetti CONSTRUCTION Toth Construction INTERIOR FURNISHINGS Silk Cavassa Marchetti and Studio AM LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE Land Morphology

This sumptuous 12,000-square-foot home is accommodating to both intimate family gatherings as well as entertaining friends interactively.

Since this residence is in an established, dense residential neighborhood, the design limits the amount of fenestration facing the street side to provide privacy. Concerned about a blank wall with very few windows, a pair of wood-clad bays were introduced to modulate the facade and create a sculptural three-dimensionality to the home.

The exterior features two materials: brick for the ground floor, and cedar siding on the upper floor to establish a hierarchy between the upper two levels of the home and to create a generative syntax for the architecture. Conversely, on the south side, the house features as much glass as possible to maximize the panoramic views of Mt. Rainier to the south and the Olympic Mountains to the west.

The window system was selected for its ability to span long distances with minimal framework to ensure visibility. In the living room, a 30-feet-long-by-10-feet-tall high-performance glass window wall runs the entire length of the room. Each panel is operated electronically for ease of use.

On the interior, the central staircase forms a sculpture-like floating ribbon and connects the upper bedroom level and the lower floor containing the entertainment, media, and playroom which spill out to an expansive terrace with a swimming pool and spa. The rails are clad in dark stained oak while the treads and risers are dark marble.

What We Love: This amazing modern house overlooking Lake Washington boasts incredible design features. This includes the sculptural staircase, asymmetrical fireplace, the metal on marble, and the way the color of the wood plays with the steel — just a few details that make this home outstanding. Outdoor spaces are just as impressive, with the terracing of the landscape down to the picturesque shoreline.

Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this award-winning lake house? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to have a look at a couple of other stellar home tours that we have highlighted in the past from the portfolio of the architects of this project: Step inside a beautiful Seattle house with inviting black and white details and An inspiring midcentury modern desert home in the Coachella Valley.

The interior aesthetic is precise and tailored. The home’s structural grid is partially revealed inside the home, helping to define and articulate spaces. Materials are earthy, with tones recalling beach sand and the forest floor. The lower portions of the dark-stained wood columns in the entry and living room are wrapped in patinated steel, adding a layer of sophistication and materiality.

“In a modern home, the fireplace is often still the central location for togetherness and comfort. They become streamlined and distilled down to just the essential elements: mantle, hearth, and fire. A place for a stocking or to let the warmth seep in, while spending time with loved ones,” states Amanda Cavassa, AIA.

The living room fireplace provides a wonderful setting to cozy up. It features steel below and painted plaster above. The furnishings are comfy and family-friendly. Custom elements include built-ins, selected bedrooms, and occasional furnishings. Comfort is assured via radiant heating which runs powered by an environmentally efficient geothermal system.

In the main bathroom, a deep cone-shaped oculus is centered over the floating bathtub to create a dramatic effect as the light rakes the mosaic tile on the circular wall framing the bathtub. Access to the closet is directly through the bathroom with framed views of the skylight and bathtub. The closet doubles as a comfortable sitting room and an additional place to hang out while dressing.

On the outside, the terracing of the yard on the lakeside of the house provides much-needed play areas for the kids. A path to the lake and a new cove were designed for easy access to the shoreline and to enhance the shoreline in support of salmon habitat.

PHOTOGRAPHER Kevin Scott

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