Bridging the gap between traditional single-family homes and the boom of mixed-use developments in Seattle’s Central District, Matchwood Homes serves as a striking neighborhood landmark. Rooted in a historically diverse and up-and coming neighborhood, the lot contains two single-family residences and an adjacent detached accessory dwelling unit, functioning as a community of detached homes and providing an alternative to the typical surrounding infill of townhomes.
The development was a joint venture between the developers, architects, and builders at Collaborative Companies. This provided all three the space for creative freedom, playing with non-traditional forms, materials, and program in the highly competitive development market. The potential to bring high quality craftsmanship and design into the typically uninspired market of multi-family development in Seattle was something that prompted the design and development teams to create something unique. Partnership throughout the project provided a setting for the designer and builder to hone craft, experiment, and perfect new details.
Clad in vertical stained cedar, the splintered forms generated peaks reminiscent of the volcanic Cascade Mountain Range to the east. The roof forms play with the typical arrangement of a gabled roof forms, experimenting with the functionality of traditional methods while creating unique dynamic shapes. The gabled rooflines also provided the opportunity for vaulted living spaces and high windows that supply sunlight throughout the day while still maintaining privacy from the neighboring buildings. The roof forms funnel water to drainage points without the use of gutters to further emphasize the angled forms. This is useful in Seattle’s climate for directing water into bio-retention planters to help minimize the impact on the public storm system.
The homes are clad in two tones of stained cedar and rainscreen system, using a native material that will age gracefully and resist damage from water in the wet season. Each home has a cozy, protected entry and second floor outdoor living space. Exterior screen walls extend seamlessly above the deck surface to create railings for the second floor, and the minimal material and color palette flows from the outside through the whole house.
The interior spaces are designed to maximize light while maintaining privacy along a well-travelled arterial street, using double-height volumes and high windows to create a feeling of sanctuary from the activity outside. Floors open and connect to each other to help unify the multiple levels of living space and create a dynamic experience as you move through the home. Community and quality are at the heart of these homes which Collaborative Companies hopes will inspire future development in the area.
