Joyful Aerie is a wonderful new house, designed by Rerucha Studio for the brother and sister-in-law of its founder, Jill Rerucha, situated in an urban neighborhood just a few blocks from downtown Kirkland, Washington. This 3,800-square-foot residence was designed for the architect’s brother and his wife, who shared a vision for a modern home infused with influences from her Thai heritage.
Drawing on elements common to traditional Thai houses—warm-toned wood, layered screens, and a close relationship to nature—the design blends these references with a contemporary Pacific Northwest sensibility.
Aerie\noun. 1: the nest of a bird on a cliff or a mountain top. 2: an elevated and often secluded dwelling, structure, or position.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Rerucha Studio CONTRACTOR Stackman Homes INTERIOR DESIGN Rerucha Studio LANDSCAPE DESIGN Rerucha Studio
The site offers territorial views of Lake Washington from the upper level. The house is conceived as open and light-filled. A floating wood-and-steel stair anchors the two-story entry court, opening the interior to daylight and long views. An adjacent exterior reflecting pool strengthens the connection to nature as one moves through the entry sequence and creates a moment of calm upon arrival.
Entertaining is central to the plan. To take full advantage of the lake views, the primary living spaces—living room, dining room, and kitchen—are located on the second floor, along with the primary suite.
A series of layered screens filters nearby suburban views, while expansive sightlines to the lake are opened through a fully operable window wall leading to the upper terrace, creating a seamless indoor–outdoor connection.
An elevator provides easy movement between floors, simplifying daily routines such as transporting groceries, luggage, and the couple’s two dogs. The lower level accommodates a golf room with virtual-play capabilities, a lounge, guest suite, laundry room, dog bath, and a flexible space used as a home office.
The material palette is restrained and tactile, featuring white oak floors, textured wall finishes, and neutral furnishings. Asian-inspired elements—wood screens, the open plan, a reflecting pond, and a bamboo grove in the yard—subtly reference the wife’s culture.
Above: A reflecting pool just off the entryway, where a wall of glazing frames a custom-fabricated staircase that leads to the second level.
Pacific Northwest influences emerge through an industrial-leaning glass-and-steel framework softened by custom wood elements, including screens, ceilings, wall panels, and the front door.
What We Love About This Home
This modern house, called ‘Joyful Aerie’, draws on the wife’s Thai heritage, providing a welcoming refuge for family and friends. Thoughtfully layered textures, natural materials, and an easy connection to the outdoors reflect Pacific Northwest influences while honoring Thai-inspired design elements. The result is a home that feels both serene and uplifting, perfectly suited for gathering, relaxation, and everyday living.
Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this home? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other incredible home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: A modern refuge nestled in the woodlands of the Puget Sound Peninsula and This calming waterfront retreat nestles into the forest of Bainbridge Island.
The slatted screens, executed in walnut rather than lighter woods, cast patterned light throughout the house and recall the darker woods commonly found in Thai architecture.
In the kitchen, charcoal-toned quartz countertops and black marble backsplashes are paired with custom dark-stained cabinetry finished with a subtle pearlized sheen that catches and reflects light.
PHOTOGRAPHER Kevin Scott
1 comment