SHED Architecture & Design

Sep 2014

Located in Seattle's Seward Park neighborhood, the Anderson Shed project is the landscape design phase of an interior remodel/renovation of a1964 home designed by Ralph Anderson, an influential Northwest architect. In its previous state, the backyard was dilapidated and unpleasant to occupy. A fenced swimming pool in the center of the yard divided the space and cut it off from the house. A redesign changed the yard boundaries and created an inviting yard that could easily be used for outdoor living and entertaining.The east/north property line is now defined by a fence made from steel tube and Ipe and culminates in a garden / storage shed which incorporates a green rooftop into the design. The Ipe fence establishes privacy, while the west fence maintains permeability by using steel-tube/welded wire mesh which forms an armature for vines while preserving the views of Lake Washington and Seward Park. Concrete retaining walls replaced the existing rockery and ivy that separated the terrace and pool creating a larger patio area for outdoor dining and entertaining. Together the fences, storage shed and concrete retaining wall give shape to the yard and create one usable space that visually connects to the house. The shed itself, is a steel-frame structure clad in Ipe. S-shaped in plan, the structure contains two spaces: 1) a bike and kayak storage area facing the street and 2) a potting shed facing the garden/pool. Large sliding doors open and close these functional spaces. A green rooftop can be viewed from the upper story windows.

Seattle, WA

Dec 2012

East Capitol Hill sits on a well-traveled arterial along a bus line. Originally occupied by a small cottage in disrepair, this site is flanked by two multi-unit homes: to the south, a subdivided home sits directly on the property line with several windows along that facade; to the north, a triplex with a south-facing entry court encroaches upon the original plot by means of an easement. The site is thus oriented east, approximately 6 feet above street level, gently sloping up towards the flat rear yard, culminating with an existing garage along an alley. Design Program The clients wished for an efficient, modern, low maintenance version of a traditional home in Seattle - one with primary living spaces on the main floor and three bedrooms above. Having come from a culture with a tradition of courtyard houses, the clients were intent on creating comfortable outdoor spaces with a strong connection to their interior living areas. Because the clients use diverse forms of transit, they needed easy access both from the garage in back and the bus stop in front. Design Solution By limiting fenestration along the sides of the house and focusing the glazing towards the east and west, the home establishes a strong connection to its front and rear yards and while protecting its occupants from the heavily used side yards of the neighbors. A walled and elevated terrace extending from the sunken living room claims the front yard as space and shields the fully glazed living spaces from passersby. This terrace and the adjacent front entry are partially framed by white walls and ceilings that extend from the interior, welcoming and protecting visitors. Corrugated metal siding and concrete site walls were used where privacy was desired, while warm elements like wood and glazing help create comfortable living environments. Energy Features A high performance enclosure is achieved by advanced framing with a combination of BIBs at the walls and closed-cell spray foam and deep batt insulation at the roof with minimal thermal bridging. Triple-pane windows protected by aluminum plate 'visors' and metal siding create a low-maintenance envelope. A south-facing light monitor with a motorized north-facing awning window creates a stack effect for ventilation while providing ample daylight. Heating is supplied by a high-efficiency boiler, indirect water storage tank, and in-floor radiant heating controlled by Nest thermostats. LED lighting was used throughout the home.

Seattle, WA

Jun 2009

This project involves the radical reconfiguration of the ground floor that serves as a home office by day and a family/media/guest space nights and weekends. The project spills out of the big new aluminum sliders into the back yard that was reworked around the existing pool. A new second floor deck of steel grating is supported by the cantilevered steel beam that replaced a ground floor wall. Sliding panels and curtains allow the typically free flowing interior to be compartmentalized to suit various circumstances. Walls clad in rotary cut fir plywood with "t-nuts" on a 6" grid support custom steel desks and shelves and a peg board ceiling floated over foam dampens the sound.

Seattle, WA

Dec 2013

Remodel

Seattle, WA

Apr 2013

Addition

Seattle, WA

Mar 2013

Landscape

Seattle, WA

Jan 2013

Addition

Seattle, WA

Sep 2012

Remodel

Seattle, WA

May 2012

Remodel

Seattle, WA