Thielsen Architects

Designed to provide the owners with a retreat that they could enjoy every day, the Waterfront Residence uses natural materials and Japanese influenced Northwest forms to create a warm and relaxing home. Immediately upon stepping down into the entry court the transition from suburban world to waterfront retreat begins. The view of Lake Washington and downtown Seattle from the two story entry improves with each step towards the great room. Stepping down into the living room the space and the view open completely. The great room spaces are warmed by a stacked stone see-through fireplace located in the window wall where it can be enjoyed at the same time as the view of the lake. A finely detailed stair leads from the entry to the bedrooms and private spaces located on the second story. The vaulted ceilings of the master suite open towards the lake letting natural light fill the spaces. The materials of the master bathroom pickup the tones of the lake and hills beyond while the glass tiles dance in light reflected off of the water. All of the forms and materials function together to create spaces of refuge and retreat.

Kirkland, WA

Perched on the edge of a wooded cliff overlooking Tate Creek, the North Fork Residence occupies a small shelf of land on the east face of a mountainous site. The house forms mirror the natural slope of the site; grounding the house and making it appear as a natural connection between the steep slopes above and below it. This effect is intensified by the underground garage built into the slope and the use of natural stone as an exterior finish material where the building meets the ground. In response to the harsh environment, the portions of the house not covered in stone are sheathed in metal, which will patina with the passage of time and exposure to the elements. The interior is organized along a central circulation spine with spaces transitioning from public to private along its length. All primary interior and exterior living spaces face east, capturing panoramic views of the Cascade foothills and Mt. Si. A crucial component of the project was the owners’ desire to restore the portion of Tate Creek which flows through their property. After years of abuse and neglect the channelized creek banks were choked with blackberries and other invasive plants. The channel berms were removed and the stream banks cleared of invasive species and restored with native trees, shrubs and perennials. A large meadow east of the creek now provides natural habitat and flood storage capacity relieving pressure on downstream areas.

Snoqualmie, WA

After a major renovation to this 1960s rambler in a quiet Kirkland neighborhood the house has been entirely transformed into a contemporary study in simplified forms and materials. The house is composed of two opposing shed volumes, one containing the bedrooms and the other the living spaces, and a box, which contains support spaces. The geometry of this house makes a statement without overwhelming the surrounding houses. The exterior materials, tongue and groove cedar, corrugated metal and standing seam metal roofing are contemporary yet compatible with the character of other homes in the area. The living spaces are arranged around a central masonry fireplace with the kitchen, dining room and living room spaces open to one another, yet defined by the fireplace. The bedrooms were expanded and a catwalk and loft were added to the master to provide a work and retreat space for the owners. A covered porch has been added to the front allowing the owners to engage with their neighbors as they walk the street and a covered terrace has been added to the rear to provide a year-round space for outdoor entertaining.

Kirkland, WA

Apr 2009

Permit Number: 0805-156 Permit Type: BUILDING Permit Description: SF ADD 117sf ADDITION; REMODEL

$59k

Mercer Island, WA

Jan 2009

Permit Number: 0609-253 Permit Type: BUILDING Permit Description: SF NEW COMBO DEMO & REBUILD 5354SF SFR, 1227 SF GAR, 685SF DECK, FIRE SPR (10/11/2006 14:01 RD) The civil engineering plan and calculations were not included with this building permit submittal on sept. 29, 2006. Kirsten Taylor (CST team lead) was agreeed for them to submit the plans without the civil engineering plans and calculations., (10/11/2006 14:01 RD) The civil engineering plan and calculations were not included with this building permit submittal on sept. 29, 2006. Kirsten Taylor (CST team lead) was agreeed for them to submit the plans without the civil engineering plans and calculations.

$627k

Mercer Island, WA

Feb 2002

Permit Number: B01L1253 Permit Type: Residential Building - Single, Building/Residential Building/Dwelling-Single/NA Permit Description: Building/Residential Building/Dwelling-Single New 2 Story Single Family Residence, Sport Court, and Detached Garage with Accessory Dwelling Unit Above - Mechanical Included

$579k

Kirkland, WA

Feb 2002

Permit Number: 0106-229 Permit Type: BUILDING Permit Description: SF ADD 213 SF ADDITION; 414 SF REMODEL;REPL 1 WINDOW W/DOOR Exceeds allowed impervious surface coverage of 35 percent, existing lot coverage on the subject property is 38.6% applicant has agreed to decrease net impervious surface to 37.5%

$36k

Mercer Island, WA

Apr 2009

Permit Number: 0811-049 Permit Type: PLUMBING Permit Description: SF ALT 117sf ADDITION; REMODEL

Mercer Island, WA

Apr 2009

Permit Number: 0811-068 Permit Type: MECHANICAL Permit Description: SF ADD MECHANICAL PERMIT FOR REMODEL

Mercer Island, WA