Walnut Expansion

Rafael Soldi

• Landscape Architects

A 1931 Seattle historic Walnut Street Craftsman for a growing young family became too small when the birth of twins expanded the family to six. The original house was cut off from outside with disruptive barriers that restricted backyard access. The new main and upper-floor expansion maximized the space available by code. A modern take on historic bay windows made nooks and cozy places for children and parents, and the firepit, table and built in seating allow the small backyard to live large.

photo_credit Rafael Soldi — Rafael Soldi

The owners lived in a small house and quickly expanding family with 4 young children. The compact Seattle lot size made the house and backyard feel crowded with limited space for family gathering. The kitchen, dining, and main living area were suspended five feet above ground and opened onto an awkward deck, blocking flow to the backyard. They wanted the new addition to feel connected to the historic character of the house, with traditional exteriors and dark walnut interiors, and have a modern expression.

The new design expanded up and out, raising roof and lowering floor, adding 713-square-feet of new living space. The heart of the expansion is a new sunken living room, the nexus between the elevated kitchen/dining, and the new outdoor deck and patio. The new outdoor room is connected to the new living room and through a modern bay window, where children can gather and pass in and out, and large glass doors and windows. On the upper level, a new main bedroom suite with private balcony was added, along with an additional child’s bedroom.

With the newly expanded house and accessible outdoor room, the family can gather and be together and have privacy for focused work and play. Outdoor living is now easily accessible, perfect for three-season outdoor eating, and gatherings around the firepit. Avid birdwatchers, the children now have an enhanced awareness and connection to nature, the changing seasons and weather, and the colors and textures of tree leaves. Spaces flow together and allow the family to more smoothly enjoy the rhythms of work, play, and gathering—this small expansion lives large.