Book House

 

This whole-house remodel gives a venerable brick Tudor home a modern twist. Designed for two book (and dog!) lovers, it incorporates bookshelves and cozy seating areas throughout the house. Modern details complement traditional elements while steel windows, doors and exposed structure open the interior to light and views.

 
 
 
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Word Wall

At the main stair, the "Word Wall" rises three floors to a pair of skylights and includes favorite writings--ranging from family recipes to quotes from literature to Yogi Berra--that were selected by seventeen members of the extended family. The stair itself is composed of a slender blackened steel railing, oak treads and structural steel sections (used elsewhere to open up walls and form the entry arbor).

 
 
 
book house staircase
 
 
 

Opening Up

On the main floor, heavy plaster walls between the entry, kitchen, dining, and living rooms were replaced with steel beams and open bookshelves. Faux beams were removed to lighten the living room ceiling. Likewise, an awkward sunroom addition was replaced with an elegant glass volume surrounded on three sides by steel doors that fold back to open the room to a new bluestone terrace.

 
 
 
open floor plot letting the outdoors in
 
 
 

Modern and Traditional

The interior palette is a dialogue of old and new. Minimal steel windows and doors provide a counterpoint to the heavy brick masonry and maximize light and views. Stained white oak floors, cabinets, and interior doors combine with natural stone and neutral paint colors to create a sense of calm and continuity. Classic modern furniture is surprisingly at home, as are the owners' eclectic collections of ceramics, miniature chairs, and wood boxes.

 
 
 
 
 

Project Team

DeForest Architects Team | John DeForest AIA, Ted Cameron, Eric Nebel
Interior Design | NB Design Group
Contractor | Prestige Residential Construction
Structural | Evergreen Design

Publications and Honors

Professional Builder Magazine, Jan. 2015
Best in American Living Awards, Remodel of the Year 2014
Best in American Living Awards, Pacific Northwest Regional Winner 2014
Luxe Interiors + Design, Spring 2013
Seattle Times Pacific Northwest Magazine, Oct. 20, 2013

 

NEXT UP:

Hillside Modern

Perched on a hilltop in a suburban neighborhood, DA designed this ground-up remodel to take full advantage of light and views while maintaining privacy from close-in neighbors.

 
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