This landlocked Seattle property becomes the ultimate backyard retreat

By One Kindesign | Published on September 10, 2026

Filed Under: Architecture

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Quincho structure under a mature sequoia, metal and wood volumes with glass doors open to a stone patio

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DeForest Architects, in collaboration with Dyna Builders, designed this quincho, a detached, Argentine-style outdoor kitchen and entertaining pavilion, on a landlocked interior parcel behind the owners’ main house in Seattle, Washington. When the parcel came up for sale, the couple saw past its tight zoning constraints and empty-lot appearance to an opportunity: a modern take on the traditional quincho of one homeowner’s native Argentina, doubling as flex space for visiting friends and family.

Centered around the art of cooking and entertaining, the 914-square-foot structure creates a new center of gravity for the couple, their family, and the community. The Quincho sports a full kitchen dining area inside plus a large BBQ and Argentinian grill outside, making it perfect for entertaining. The project team worked together to develop the design around the mantra “Maximum Fun, Minimum Fuss.”

DESIGN DETAILS

ARCHITECT DeForest Architects
INTERIOR DESIGN Mariana Flombaum, in collaboration with DeForest Architects
CONTRACTOR Dyna Builders
LANDSCAPE DESIGN SCJ Studio Landscape Architecture
STRUCTURAL Evergreen Design Company

Couple on the patio near a built-in grill and hot tub, someone splashing in the water

A fire table, swim spa, and adjacent lawn extend the festivities outdoors. The exterior is clad in durable metal and cement siding for low maintenance, while the hard-troweled concrete floors inside are resilient to spills, weather, and heavy foot traffic.

A Modern Quincho: Argentine-Style Outdoor Living in Seattle

Dog resting on the lawn beside the glass-walled kitchen wing at golden hour

Warmth is added through a wood ceiling and thoughtfully placed in a less exposed location. The interior cabinets, counters, and backsplash are finished with Dekton, a sintered stone tile, for a sleek and functional design.

Dark wood-clad bedroom wing with a boulder accent and sequoia trunk in front

What We Love About This Home

We love how this quincho reinterprets a cherished Argentine tradition for a Pacific Northwest backyard, blending a full outdoor grill and wood-fired parrilla with a sleek indoor kitchen and dining space. The moody black-tiled kitchen, warm cedar ceiling, and Dekton counters give the space a rustic-meets-modern feel. Best of all, the rolling steel ladder to the loft shows that even a guesthouse can be clever, compact, and full of personality.

Tell Us: Would you build a detached quincho or outdoor entertaining structure like this one in your own backyard? Let us know why or why not in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fascinating home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: Step into a stunning Seattle bungalow designed for the ultimate live work lifestyle and Treehouse inspired midcentury home perched on a cliffside above Puget Sound.

Kitchen island view through open glass doors to the dining table and patio

Above: Large glass doors slide away to expand the living space, inviting sunlight and fresh air.

Sleek Kitchen Design with Black Tile and Dekton Countertops

Moody kitchen with black subway tile and two amber glass pendant lights over the island

Kitchen counter with black subway tile, gray cabinets, black fixtures, and spice jars

Close-up of a five-burner black gas cooktop in a gray stone countertop

Open-Concept Dining Space with Sliding Glass Doors

Dining area with a black glass table and Series 7 style chairs, open kitchen behind

Above: A wall of cabinet doors slide open for access to a coffee station and storage or close to hide clutter.

Centered view of the dining table, tall cabinetry wall, and cedar ceiling

Open folding glass doors linking the patio to the kitchen and dining area

People relaxing on the patio and in the hot tub near the open dining pavilion

Guest Bedroom and Bathroom with Sequoia Tree Views

Bright bedroom with a gray headboard and windows facing a sequoia trunk

Glass-enclosed shower with white subway tile, dark floor tile, and a rainfall head

Above: A simple bathroom accommodates party and overnight guests.

Rolling Steel Ladder

Foldable ladder to a loft space above a concrete-floored hallway

Above: A steel ladder, designed by DeForest Architects and fabricated by the Dyna Metal Shop, rolls out to provide access to a loft that can be used as an office or additional sleeping space.