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Located in one of Seattle’s most established residential areas, olson kundig designed ‘City Cabin’ successfully answers clients’ desire for a private urban retreat connected to nature. Staggered footprints in the parking lot allow for a dense landscape, and the extensive glass surrounds throughout the house enhance sun gain and maximize garden views. This home has a net-zero energy use goal, a home design that incorporates key sustainability features, and the incorporation of lush greenery into the site transforms an ordinary urban fill area into a private sanctuary.
Measuring 2,400 square feet, the city cabin is arranged around a central meeting room with two wings extending from it. Part one with the master bedroom and the other contains the living room and storage area. The second part, the heart of the house in plan as well as function, the central area, which comprises the open kitchen and living room, is one volume defined by the 16-foot-high ceilings and 16-foot-high window walls.
The interior palette draws inspiration from the client’s extensive collection of Native American art with red concrete floors and unstained natural plywood walls and ceilings. The reclaimed spruce veneer and galvanized steel roof continue the emphasis on sustainability and economy. The house incorporates several green strategies such as a green roof, photovoltaic panels, and an air-to-water heat pump, reflecting the client’s longstanding involvement with environmental conservation.
The reclaimed spruce veneers and galvanized steel roofing continue the emphasis on sustainability and economy. The house combines several green strategies such as green roofs, photovoltaic panels, and air-to-water heat pumps, reflecting the client’s engagement with environmental preservation.
architects: olson kundig
