The Bluff Overlook residence in Washington was designed by AOME Architects as a dream home for a retired couple seeking a serene yet vibrant home for entertaining extended family and friends, while making full use of its breathtaking setting. Perched dramatically above Puget Sound, the reinterpreted Northwest Contemporary design embraces sweeping vistas through an open plan and broad terraces that connect seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.
The design scope grew as the couple became more enthusiastic during the schematic phase. At 7,000 square feet, the plan includes space for two owner’s bedroom suites, a full guest suite, a casual media room, a theater, two offices, a wine room, and a stunning great room, around which the whole plan is organized.
The design is energy-efficient, exceeding Washington State Energy Code requirements, and built to protect adjacent critical areas and the habitats below the bluff through extraordinary stormwater handling facilities.
Concealed beneath the bluff lawn, a massive subterranean augur-cast soldier pile shoring wall buttresses the escarpment from further calving of the cliff face, protecting otherwise stable soils. Behind the wall, a manifold of stormwater collection pipes redirects stormwater into a conveyance system, rather than through the cliff face. It took 3½ months to construct before foundation work could commence.
Above: Approaching the home along a steeply sloping road, panoramic previews hint at the vast vistas captured within the home of the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound.
DESIGN DETAILS
ARCHITECT AOME Architects
GENERAL CONTRACTOR Gradwohl Construction
INTERIOR DESIGN Kristine Donovick Interior Design, Inc.
The entry glows beyond the olive tree at the center of the courtyard.
What We Love About This Home
This dream retirement home captures the dramatic beauty of Puget Sound, offering panoramic views from every angle. The Northwest Contemporary design blends serene, open living spaces with broad terraces, creating the perfect setting for entertaining family and friends while taking in the stunning natural surroundings. Expansive windows and an open plan flood the interiors with light, seamlessly connecting indoors and outdoors, while thoughtful details throughout make the home both elegant and inviting.
Tell Us: What details in the design of this home do you find most intriguing? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other amazing home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: This stunning Lake Washington house soaks up tranquil views of Mount Rainier and A modern refuge nestled in the woodlands of the Puget Sound Peninsula.
Above: The entry tucks between the four-car garage and the bedroom wing, offering a glimpse of the spectacular views and spaces that await inside.
Above: A flood of natural light focuses attention on the contrasting stone elements of the dramatic fireplace at the end of the Great Room.
Above: The interplay of light and shadow, natural materials, subtle textures, and a hierarchy of patterns stimulates the senses in the Dining Room and Great Room.
Above: A trellis outside the doors mediates western sunlight and heat gain, enhanced by perfectly concealed motorized blinds. The light shelf at the clerestory bounces daylight deeper into the space.
Above: The transverse axis of the great room has its own focus and hints at more private spaces beyond that share the abundant daylighting.
Above: The dining table lies at the intersection of the great room and entry axis, creating a primary focus of sharing food with family and guests.
Above: The kitchen provides an on-axis counterpoint to the fireplace in the great room.
Above: The eating nook features a separate bar and easy access to the grill area and outdoor seating covered by glass.
Above: The kitchen and nook also serve the serious cook who enjoys entertaining. The layered elements of the wood ceiling tie this more sheltered space to the soaring volume in the great room.
Above: The tailored elegance of the stairs to the upper floor is enhanced by daylight penetrating through a large skylight.
Above: There are two owners’ bedrooms in this home, as his and hers. Hers is perched at the end of the west side of the home, enjoying the same dramatic sunlit views as the great room and kitchen.
Above: The vanity introduces a palette of warm colors with sumptuous materials that immediately soothe the soul.
Above: The bright interior bathes the tub in daylight while the intricately patterned radiant floors and tile walls of the shower warm the body
Above: The second owner’s bedroom is opposite hers on the east side of the home, featuring a lofty, layered wood panel ceiling with a more masculine palette.
Above: An upper-floor office offers a view of the Sound and features a covered deck with motorized wind screens for enjoying the beautiful outdoor setting.
Above: The spare elegance of the powder room has an intriguing sparkle that captivates the eye.
Above: The upper media room features a TV over the sleek fireplace with plenty of comfortable seating.
Above: Situated perfectly for an evening’s entertainment — between the kitchen at the top of the stairs and the theater next door — the lower-level wine room’s 768-bottle capacity offers plenty of climate-controlled variety.
Above: The play of daylight across the covered terrace creates an intricate dance of shadows as the day passes.
Above: The views from each of the western spaces overlook Puget Sound and the Kitsap Peninsula to the Olympic Mountains in the distance.
Above: At sunset, if the wind picks up, comfortable sitting into the evening can be extended by deploying concealed motorized windscreens and turning on radiant heaters.
Above: A massive burner offers guests a warm place to converse around the fire pit, long after the day cools off.
Above: At twilight, the warmth of the interior can be seen through the many French doors.
Above: The home perches on a high bluff overlooking a beach 80 feet below.
PHOTOGRAPHER Benjamin Benschneider
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