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Floisand Studio Architects

• Architects

This 1960s split-level, often referred to as a 'bi-level' home, is located near Seattle's Magnuson Park, offering stunning views of Mt Rainier and Lake Washington. Remodeled by Floisand Studio Architects, the clients aimed to create a clean, functional, and practical design for their family of five. The goals of the project were to modernize the space, add a third story, relocate the primary bedroom, and open up the main floor living space. Additionally, the living room at the front of the home was expanded. The clients' style gravitated towards a modern and mid-century aesthetic, which beautifully complements the age of the home and its typology.

While Floisand preserved the basic structure of the original split level, everything else underwent significant changes. The primary bedroom was relocated from the basement to the newly added third story. In the process, the interior walls of the living space were torn down, creating an open living, kitchen, and dining area. This open area is framed on one end by a vaulted ceiling, which leads to a protected patio accessible via large glass sliders, and on the other end by a wall of windows offering water views.

To enhance the aesthetics and functionality of the home, the original closed stairway was replaced with a steel and wood open riser stairwell. Fall protection was integrated into the design through a patterned steel screen, which serves as a barrier at the new entry porch, main stair, and upper deck. This screen not only ensures safety but also allows filtered light to permeate the adjacent spaces, creating an inviting atmosphere.

The layout and detailing of the primary bathroom were developed with a particular emphasis on maintaining privacy. Although the front of the house offers magnificent views, the back side, where the bathroom is situated, faces the windows of neighboring homes on the hillside above. To address this, a wide skylight was incorporated, spanning the length of the wet room. This skylight serves the dual purpose of bringing in natural light while ensuring privacy.

photo_credit Rafael Soldi — Rafael Soldi

In addition, a custom mirror was strategically placed above the vanity, creating the illusion of depth in an otherwise relatively narrow primary bathroom. This design element adds a sense of spaciousness to the area.

Throughout the home, a ribbon of windows adorns each floor, allowing for an abundance of natural light and showcasing the surrounding views. Floisand Studio Architects' attention to detail and thoughtful design breathed new life into this charming mid-century modern home, resulting in what the clients would refer to as visually beautiful but exceptionally functional.