Clinging to a steep slope above a magnificent shoreline, the Lake Chelan House maximizes the best aspects of what is locally known as “Lake Life,” along the south shore.
Shoe-horned into a narrow, steep, and irregular-shaped lot, the house nestles as low as possible on the slope to mitigate noise and limit views into the house from the often-busy road above. The site’s extreme topography required a series of retaining walls, steps, and terraces to access the home and its outdoor rooms.
The 2,000 square foot, two-story house is a simple rectangle. The upper, main floor juts out over a lower floor that is partially bermed into the slope. From each floor, a deck cantilevers lakeward. When standing on the decks, it feels possible (but not advisable) to dive into the turquoise-blue water.
One enters the house at the top of a dramatic glazed stairwell that divides the house in half and showcases the incredible sparkling light and views across the lake. On the north side of the entry is the kitchen/living/dining space, which opens directly out to a cantilevered deck and paved terrace for dining. On the south side are the master suite and utility room.
The lower level has guest bedrooms, a fitness studio, and a workshop. Far from the typical “daylight basement,” the lower level is sun-drenched and offers spectacular views down the lake.
Exterior materials include flat, untreated steel panels at the lower level and around windows, with dark bronze corrugated panels cladding the upper level. Exterior soffits and interior ceilings are clear-finished plywood. At the interior, weathered siding, fir trim, and concrete-look porcelain floor tiles create a warm yet simple backdrop for the owners’ funky and eclectic art. Blues and greens in translucent glass tiles at bathrooms and the kitchen pick up on the shimmering colors of the lake.
