The Washington Park Residence occupies a bluff overlooking Lake Washington and the Cascades. The site enjoys a unique prospect due its slightly elevated and eastward position relative to adjacent properties. The design leverages this position by capturing broad, unobstructed views while preserving privacy.
Architecturally, the house explores the contrast between mass and transparency. Thick, thermally insulated concrete walls form the major portions of the street facade. The walls are layered and modulated to provide carefully framed views from west facing rooms, add depth and shadow to the facade, and orchestrate the entry sequence through the courtyard to the front door.
Upon entry the transparency of the east side of the house is revealed. The reflecting pool at the east edge of the terrace eliminates the need for a railing and merges visually with the waters of Lake Washington 100’ below. Floor to ceiling steel framed windows and doors form the east walls while cast in place concrete chimneys anchor the ends of the major rooms.
The building’s massing reflects its program with a main volume oriented north-south housing the primary living areas of Great Room, Kitchen, and Library. The sleeping wing, separated by a glass walled bridge, is oriented east-west on the south edge of the site. The garage, with apartment above, extends west along the north edge to form the entry courts.
Major materials are limited to concrete, steel, wood, and stone. The green roof mitigates storm water runoff while the geothermal heating system reduces fossil fuel consumption.
