A Modern Home On The Water’s Edge Provides “A Sense Of Sanctuary” In Seattle

According to the designers, ‘The Lake House’ was conceived as a 21st century retreat: “an escape from expectations of modern life to a lakefront cabin near the city”. The property is positioned on a narrow plot of land, wedged between two existing family homes. The house’s design can be conceptually simplified into four components: a large concrete volume with areas for living and sleeping, a low horizontal roof, a thick wall extruding from the topography, and an indoor-outdoor space for socializing. Upon entering through a narrow pathway, steps lead down to a partially sheltered courtyard and pool. “By filling some of the spaces with water we were able to expand the sense of the waterfront deeper into the property”, explain the architects. Sliding glass walls provide an unobstructed view of the lake, forming the illusion of complete coalescence with the outdoors. “The tranquil reflecting pools… provide a sense of sanctuary”, they state. Inside, custom-designed light fixtures reference tree branches, reinforcing the connection of the space to the landscape, “by celebrating a natural element as a sculptural form.”