Castanes Architects, PS

Oct 2013

The Astra 55 Wine Cellar is a custom wine room designed by Castanes Architects. It has a capacity for 1,380 bottles and features racking made form African mahogany, an integrated stereo system , and a custom wood raw edge tasting table. The inlaid ceiling is painted black and lit by dozens of tiny lights that are suspended from tree branches. The lighting is intended to resemble the starry sky.

$750k

Seattle, WA

Jan 2003

Ever wondered what's up in that large pyramid at the top of the Smith Tower? Our client came to us with the news that she was going to live in what had once been the caretaker's suite and the old water tower enclosure at the top of the Smith Tower. Castanes Architects assisted her in deciding how to live in the space and where to site the basic necessities, and she took it from there. She shares the space with a huge Dale Chihuly sculpture, a gift from the artist, which fills a good portion of the large pyramidal volume that is now the living, dining, and kitchen area of this most unique home. A large and growing collection of artwork and collectibles makes this home a personable definition of its sociable and on-the-go inhabitant. And yes, she rode out the February 2001 earthquake in the space with virtually no damage! Look up sometime in the night sky, and you just might see this aerie-dwelling client taking in the night-time view from that little glass bubble high atop the Smith Tower!

$150k

Seattle, WA

Jan 2013

Fun loving Family decided it is time to dig the media room out of the basement and open it up to garden parties. Castanes Architects and Cambium Landscape Architects teamed up to bring the house and the gardens together. Scope included excavating the side yard down to the basement level, and opening up the basement with large bi-folding doors into the new sunken garden. Flagstone steps connect the Side yard to the back yard where the party really is with a trio of charcoal grill, gas bbq and a smoker sheltered under a strapping trellis system. Basement remodel includes a Media Room, a Game Room and a Wine Cellar, beautifully finished in stained white oak, with turn-of-the-century details that capture the character of the Residence

Seattle, WA

Jan 2011

Northwest Design Awards 2013 winner, the Gin & Tonic Look out was an addition to an existing balcony. Custom-built stone and stainless steel fire table creates a beautiful outdoor seating area to enjoy scenic views of the lake and the lush gardens. A Glass and steel structure was also designed for shelter from the elements, so the "outdoor room" can be enjoyed in all seasons.

Seattle, WA

Jan 2011

Truly a dream home, the house resides on the shore of a beautiful lake. While the new residence takes a "bow" to its predecessor with a design that evolves around both traditional and contemporary ideas, it also refocuses its attention to the lake and the beautifully landscaped gardens, with bi-folding doors, large windows, comfortable decks and a "crows nest" office at 4th floor level. The rain water, channeled into a 6" steel pipe, waterfalls onto a trellis, then becomes a small creek along the garden, before it is collected in an underground water cistern for irrigation. The house is heated with a sophisticated radiant hot water system that consumes less energy and provides a healthier environment for its owners. The copper shingles from the previous home have now become a part of the new roof.

Seattle, WA

Jan 2010

This classic turn of the century Capital Hill mansion was in need of upgrades to it's interior spaces while paying particular attention to it's classic historical detailing. Our task was to create a functional kitchen with large windows to the west garden, a "green" roof over the expanded garage area which would be viewed from the kitchen area, create a useful activity room in the basement with wine storage and a beer making area, and to sensitively refurbish the other rooms in this historic home.

Seattle, WA

Jan 2010

2012 Northwest Design Award Winner, "Astra 55" was designed not only as a wine cellar with 1,600 bottle capacity, but also a room for entertainment. Stained concrete floors, a live-edge floating bar table, custom made mahogany casework, vintage fur blankets and branches adorned in led lights hanging from the ceiling transformed this room from simple basement storage to a whimsical experience under the "stars."

Seattle, WA

Jan 2010

Similar to traditional Norwegian farms - accumulating new structures as the need arrives, yet always maintaining central gathering spaces - this home grows as the family does. Recently, "The Bridge" was added, creating an outdoor living room with fireplace, and a master bedroom wing above. Built in two phases, this new contemporary home, sited on 23 acres of land, was designed as a series of parallel and intersecting gabled volumes reaching out into the landscape. The open planning of the living room, dining room, kitchen and game room offers an informal living environment for both family and friends. A carefully thought out ordering system was developed to define both private and public spaces in the home which therefore generating the various intersecting gabled volumes of the house.

Issaquah, WA

Jan 2010

The last phase of remodeling that Castanes Architects did on this Magnolia home that overlooked the Puget Sound and City for a well known Seattle family was to design this highly detailed trellis. The trellis reflects a high degree of craftsmanship and detailing that is supported by a steel and concrete platform that hovers over the bluffs of Magnolia. Though our work comprised remodeling the entire home, we just thought we would show you the trellis which we believe to be one of the finest in the city.

Seattle, WA