Nestled on the picturesque slopes of Lake Washington in Seattle’s charming Laurelhurst neighbourhood, this 12,000 sq. ft. home offers breathtaking southern views of the lake and sweeping vistas of the city.
"The clients aspired to design a light-filled home that would cater to their growing family of five while allowing for comfortable entertaining," explains Silk Cavassa Marchetti. "In response, we designed an open-plan home centred around a two-story living room, serving as the heart of the space."
At the heart of the home lies a two-story living room that flawlessly combines comfort and elegance. A central, sculptural floating staircase with dark stained oak rails and dark marble treads and risers connects the upper bedroom level to the lower floor. A charming walkway bridges the bedrooms on either side.
The kitchen and family room merge into a shared, open space that naturally flows into the living room. This lower level also features an entertainment area, media room and playroom, all of which open onto a spacious terrace complete with a swimming pool and spa.
The interior aesthetic is precise and meticulously tailored. The home's structural grid is partially exposed, defining and articulating various spaces. Earthy materials, with tones reminiscent of beach sand and forest floors, dominate the palette. Dark-stained wood columns in the entry and living room feature lower portions wrapped in patinated steel, adding a sophisticated layer of texture.
The living room fireplace beautifully mirrors this design, featuring sleek steel on the lower section and elegant painted plaster above. The furnishings are cosy and family-friendly, complemented by custom-built elements in select bedrooms and unique occasional pieces. Comfort is guaranteed with radiant heating, powered by an eco-friendly geothermal system.
In the primary bathroom, a striking cone-shaped oculus is positioned above the floating bathtub, casting dramatic light on the mosaic tiles of the circular wall that frames it. Direct access to the primary closet is provided through the bathroom, offering framed views of both the skylight and bathtub. The closet also serves as a cosy sitting room and an inviting space to relax while dressing.
Situated in a well-established, bustling neighbourhood, this home’s design smartly limits street-facing glass to ensure privacy. To avoid a monotonous facade, the architects introduced two wood-clad bays that add depth and sculptural elegance, transforming the home into a three-dimensional masterpiece.
The home's exterior features a harmonious blend of materials, with brick on the ground floor and cedar siding on the upper level, creating a distinct visual hierarchy and cohesive architectural language. Conversely, the south side of the house boasts extensive glass to capture the breathtaking views of Mt. Rainier to the south and the Olympic Mountains to the west. The selected window system spans vast distances with minimal framework, ensuring uninterrupted views. In the living room, a 30-foot-long by 10-foot-tall high-performance glass wall extends the entire length, with each panel electronically controlled for convenience.
Outside, the terraced yard on the lakeside of the house provides essential play areas for the kids. A path to the lake and a newly designed cove offer easy shoreline access while enhancing the habitat to support salmon.
This luxurious Seattle home masterfully combines elegant design with practical living, creating an ideal retreat for families and showcasing the breathtaking natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. More than just a place to live, this sophisticated haven epitomises the art of living well.
Photography: Kevin Scott
