Meadow Creek House

Site

A large sloping site with western views to Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. Driveway access was limited to its pre-existing location by the topography. A small stream and hillside delineate the southern edge of the property.

Program

A single family residence facilitating indoor/outdoor living, offering direct connection to the garden while taking advantage of the dramatic view. The house was to accommodate both contemporary and Asian furnishings, as well as a handmade bubinga dining room table & chairs. The building height had to be minimized because covenants stipulated that new construction must minimize the impact upon existing views from surrounding neighbors. Similar requirements regarding trees necessitated that the building itself – not landscaping – offer privacy protection from neighbors to the north and south. 

Solution

Site fit, program, construction process, and neighborhood design review were all addressed by a shallow vaulted pavilion roof under which linear service forms subdivide and direct the living spaces towards the gardens and view. The steel and PSL structure minimized structure height and was prefabricated offsite for rapid onsite assembly. Once the roof was sheathed, the pavilion served as rain protection for subsequent conventional framing work below. The primary spaces open to both the entry garden to the east and the restored meadow and views to the west. These spaces are defined by the stucco, wood rainscreen, and Corten steel clad service forms, the northernmost of which (the master bath & closet) screens the living spaces and terraces from the adjacent neighbor.

Recognition

Merit Award

AIA Northwest & Pacific Region

Merit Award

AIA Seattle

The New 100 x 100 Architects

by Robyn Beaver

Credits

General Contractor

dBoone Construction

Structural Engineer

Jay Taylor

Landscape Design

Barbara Lycett Landscape Design

Photography

Jim Van Gundy & E|FA