Perched on the border between Ballard and Phinney Ridge, the Belyea Faigin residence works hard. It is the studio of artist Gary Faigin, home for Gary, his wife Pamela Belyea and their two children and the site of social and business gatherings centered around the Gage Academy of Art that Pamela and Gary direct. Their 1936 bungalow sits in the back seat and a new three story, 1600 SF addition is in the driver’s seat. The lowest level is Gary’s studio, the middle level is the living/dining room and the top floor is a new master suite. The interface between the original structure and the addition is expressed in the glassy gasket between the two buildings. The original beveled siding slides from outside to inside marking the transition between old and new. The new portion is emphatically modern in its use of materials, structure and detail but the gable roof and areas of wood siding make it sympathetic to the character of the old house. The straightforward design direction was set by the need to economize and dictated the use of exposed truss-joist framing, simple forms, aluminum windows and sleek but modest finishes. Vivid paint colors and walls full of art enliven the rooms. This addition has allowed a busy family to work, entertain and live more efficiently and comfortably in a neighborhood they love. And the views aren’t bad either!