Nestled in the Ballard neighborhood of Seattle, this home originally built in 2016 boasts spectacular roof-level views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains. The original house already had a small roof deck but lacked interior space to enjoy the views from. When the owner’s contractor approached us to see if it was possible to design an addition within the height limit, we measured and studied the property, analyzed zoning codes, and confirmed the house’s existing two-level status with a basement. This enabled us to propose a dormer addition that complied with zoning code as well as Seattle’s fire sprinkler regulations required for a four-level home, but not for a three-level home with a basement. The new dormer integrates a large viewing window in an enclosed area that opens to an expanded roof deck. The exterior received a facelift with Shou Sugi Ban rainscreen siding, along with new windows and doors, transforming the home while preserving its original modern form.

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This old Seattle cottage in Madison Park had good bones but needed some serious updating and rearranging of the floor plan. The existing stairs were too steep and dangerous and were not located in an ideal location. The basement was unfinished and the upper level was partially finished, but lacked a bathroom.

We started the design process by determining a new location for the stairs to connect all three levels of the home. A new dormer was incorporated into the roof to house the stairs and also to increase the head height for a new master bathroom addition. The entire upstairs was remodeled into one large master suite with deluxe walk-in closet and dressing area. On the main level, all the spaces were remodeled including a new kitchen. The basement was excavated and a new guest suite (that also functions as a family room) was developed. A laundry room was tucked into the basement as well.

Windows, siding, and roofing were replaced, and a new front entry cover and stairway was designed to make the house more appealing and attractive. The driveway and garage door were widened to allow normal size cars to use the garage.

 

[See image gallery at www.motion-space.com]