This design challenges the conventions of northwest modernism. The “bones” of the original mid-century modern building were preserved to reduce construction cost and environmental waste, overhangs were minimized to allow the free flow of light and view, wood beams and other stylistic conventions were dropped in favor of taught finishes and clean surfaces, and geometric forms were inserted to enliven the interior spaces and create formal unity. The resulting freedom from traditional design imperatives resulted in a more expressive domestic environment and greater utilization of site opportunities.

The street façade is scaled low, like the original building, providing a “perch” for the new penthouse and a glimpse of its long, curved wall. The west façade, facing the dominant views, is tall, robust and bold, addressing the scale of the natural landscape and opening the house to dynamic views of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains.

Interior spaces reflect the dynamic juxtaposition of the penthouse suite. The curved wall acts as a linking device, adding drama to the adjacent rooms. The fireplace core delineates the various room functions on all three levels.

Materials are minimized to afford simplicity of surface and uniformity of intent, and include concrete, native cedar and fir, copper, blackened aluminum, ebonized oak, and natural, unpainted plaster.