Atrium Home
5 Beds / 6 Baths / 5209 SQFT
Summit Place / Clyde Hill
Status: SOLD
Architect: Metrica
The home is located in the City of Clyde Hill, an affluent suburb east of Seatte, across Lake Washington. The project was designed to capture views of the three large and beautiful Douglas Fir trees that are located in the backyard, it incorporates a three-story glazed atrium at the center of the house - which also brings in sunlight and frames views of the sky. The atrium is three stories tall from basement to second floor and provides a connection between the indoor and the outdoor at every level in the house both physically and visually. The glazed atrium not only provides transparency, ample natural light and a visual connection between spaces in the home, it also works as the main organizing element for the layout of the spaces, and in the warmer summer months, it provides natural ventilation.
sequence
The entry sequence leads the visitor through a narrow entry between the textured stone walls. A custom-made steel and walnut pivoting door can be fully opened to reveal a double-height entry hall, exposing the glazed atrium behind and views of the trees and the sky. A skybridge further defines the space, where a designer chandelier by New York-based Sonneman Lighting is suspended from the second story ceiling.
natural light
A bright and airy two-and-a-half story living room is conceived to let indirect northern light inside the space, while framing views of the trees and the sky. A high, narrow window allows light into the west, and frames views of distant tree-tops, while the glazed atrium provides transparency and a closer look to the interior garden. A fire-place flanked by wood shelving provides a focal point at the western end of the room.
warmth
This cantilevered room is warm and welcoming because of the use of interior cedar cladding, which is carried seamlessly from the outside. A balcony overlooks the street and provides a layer of privacy.
bring the outside in
The simple material palette of stained white oak hardwood floors and modern gray walls set the stage for the play of light, foliage and wind from the outside. The austerity and permanence of the cast-in-place concrete, the warmth of the cedar, and the changing color of the sky play against the sunlight and the garden to provide a fluid and changing atmosphere. The organic forms of the northwest-inspired interior garden is a welcome softening contrast to the rigor of the floor plan geometry.
function
A large quartz countertop defines the kitchen space. High-end lighting, designer faucets by Dornbracht, and locally made cabinetry are used in combination with Miele appliances, including two dishwashers, a concealed refrigerator, and built-in espresso maker. A glass door opens the kitchen to the backyard, while a multi-slide door leads to a small balcony overlooking the center atrium, creating an effortless connection to the outdoors.
flow
The dining is flanked by the two exterior spaces, and a fold-slide door system by La Cantina allow for a complete indoor-outdoor flow in this space. A specialty Italian light fixture by Artemide is conceived to play with the projections of its own light and shadows onto the ceiling.
comfort
The Master Suite includes a built-in fireplace and windows framing the greenery of the foliage below. A private outdoor terrace provide a seamless connection to the outdoors. The master closet is made with local cabinetry. The master bathroom features a skylight bringing daylight in, and it's fully clad in large format porcelain tile. Designer fixtures and vanities complement the 2-person shower. Walnut veneer cabinetry by local craftsmen are used in the master closet.
connection
The game room in the basement enjoys direct access to the interior garden - which in turn washes it with natural light and ventilation, becoming one of the most interesting rooms in the home. This room faces the kitchen balcony across the atrium, providing a human connection across levels and spaces in the house.
energy & mood
Green and blue gives energy to the space. Light and shadow sets the mood. Almost every corner of the home has visual connection with greenery and blue sky. Sun light creates shadow which sets the mood. The home is constantly playing light show at different times of the day.
