Architectural studio GO’C reimagined a 1950s brick house in Seattle, Washington, into a minimalist home. The house was built on an existing concrete foundation and strongly connected to a mature south-facing garden. The goal of this project was not to increase square footage or add amenities, as is often the case in a remodel. Instead, the desire was to create a thoughtfully desired home with just enough space for the owner’s needs.
No more, no less. An in-kind trade, so to speak, for the 1950s brick house that sat on the site. It was clear from the first site visit that the house was poorly laid out, and despite having enough square footage, it was notable to be utilized in a way that benefited the inhabitants. An ill-located staircase limited the options for the floor plan, and small dark spaces in the basement only added to the owners‘ “basement phobia.” Be sure to continue below for the before pictures and the floor plans!
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE / INTERIORS GO’C STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING J Welch Engineering CONTRACTOR Treebird Construction LANDSCAPE DESIGN Land Morphology METALWORK Metalistics
’The task was simple: create more generous spaces within the footprint of the house with a direct relationship to the established and well-loved backyard, as well as an inviting and usable basement that, most importantly, didn’t feel like a basement.
A natural white oak screen filters views and light between the entry, the main stair, and the living room.
Some elements from the original house were maintained in spirit, if not in the original form. For example, a large window to the west that frames a maple tree was recreated in the exact location. This time, it allows a cascade of natural light into the entryway and new stairs, spilling down into the basement.
The owners are avid gardeners and so are at the front of the house, which was designed to include extensive plantings. On the street-facing facade, a cantilevered stair gently touches down to engage the existing rockery, as if this new main level was always there.
At 1,900 square feet, this project is modest. It was built on top of the existing concrete stem walls. A high shed roof with exposed wood beams and clerestory windows below make the small spaces feel bright and open.
Large lift-and-slide doors to the south draw the garden into the main living space, allowing the interior to flow out to the deck and outdoor kitchen.
Beyond the deck, a lush northwest garden rises up a small hill to the south. Receding layers of large moss-covered rockery, ferns, and native trees provide a soft and natural backdrop for the main living spaces.
The oak cabinetry in the kitchen and dining area is stained a deep blue to characterize the more social gathering spaces. A recessed Japanese-style entry with a built-in wood bench and storage cabinets provides space to take off shoes and coats before entering the house.
Large windows, connections to the garden, and the use of natural materials make this modest house feel welcoming and spacious.
A light and natural interior material palette ties the house together, while a playful use of finishes provides contrast and differentiates the spaces.
White oak cabinetry, plaster walls, and hardwood floors unify the spaces between the main and lower levels.
What We Love: This house in Seattle was beautifully renovated to better meet the lifestyle needs of its inhabitants. Completely reimagined, the house has an improved flow by moving the staircase from the center of the house to the front of the house near the entryway. This also helps to improve natural daylight on the basement level, which was initially dark and dreary. The integration of larger windows and minimal ornamentation has helped to seamlessly connect with the home’s rear garden. A new material palette has made this house feel modern yet welcoming.
Tell Us: What details in this home renovation project do you find most appealing? Please share your thoughts in the Comments below, we love reading your feedback!
Note: Check out another home tour that we have spotlighted here on One Kindesign by the architects of this project, GO’C Studio: Step inside this awesome cedar-clad home overlooking the Puget Sound.
Key Products
Cladding: Burnished stucco plaster; Richlite
Cooktop/Wall Oven: Fisher & Paykel
Door Hardware: Ize
Faucets: Brizo
Fireplace: Mendota Hearth
HVAC: Mitsubishi
Icemaker: Scotsman
Insulation: ROCKWOOL
Refrigerator: Sub-Zero
Roof Windows/Skylights: Crystalite
Toilet: TOTO
Outdoor Grill: DCS
Windows: Quantum Windows & Doors
PHOTOGRAPHER Kevin Scot
SEATTLE BRICK HOUSE BEFORE REMODEL
DRAWINGS
Floor Plan Before The Renovation
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