Set in a quiet, established neighborhood of Seattle, Gaeseon (개선) House transforms a midcentury home to better respond to the needs of a young family, emphasizing fluid transitions between the interior and landscape. Inspired by the philosophy of gaeseon, which emphasizes continuous small refinements and improvements, the design bridges the existing architecture and a previous renovation.
The home’s western addition introduces new gathering spaces, including a sunroom and upgraded patio. Taller ceilings in these new zones effectively lift the roof and expand the spatial experience, while the removal of industrial design elements blends the new addition with the original home's expression. The sunroom, a hub for activity, has sliding glass doors to underscore the transparency between the interior and exterior, while airy, translucent curtains introduce privacy without sacrificing light. In the corner, a custom bar—crafted in dark wood, bronze, and marble—is a natural place for parents to gather and watch the children play on the turf lawn or jump into the rectangular pool. The sunroom is acoustically separated from the home, enabling it to convert into a home theater after dark.
A new gym and office space, designed for enhanced privacy, are separated from the sunroom by a glass partition that extends interior transparency while preserving visual connections to the exterior. On the east side of the home, a playful pink powder room includes a wood and marble vanity that references the bar. In the dining room, new sliding glass doors and a cylindrical light fixture above the table draw attention to the patio beyond the glass. With integrated heaters and speakers, the redesigned patio is suitable for year-round enjoyment.
Project Team: Blair Payson, AIA, LEED AP, Design Principal / Project Manager; Karen Duan, Architectural Staff; Enrique Vela, Interior Design Lead
Key Consultants: Ridgeline Construction NW, General Contractor; Station10 Engineering LLC, Civil Engineer; PCS Structural Solutions, Structural Engineer; WATT Lighting, Lighting Design; Geotech Consultants, Geotechnical Engineer; Urban Bonfire, Outdoor Kitchen
