image: Ivan Bud for Urban Design Group
Showcasing Amazing Examples of PNW Modern Architecture Today!
About 48 hours before Tour Day, watch your email for a printable PDF map and info packet, as well as links to a dynamic online map for easy navigation.
Travel at your own pace as you visit the homes in any order you wish between 10 AM and 4 PM on Saturday ONLY.
Located blocks from downtown Bellevue, this 4,900 SF custom home radiates modern simplicity. Expertly constructed by Alair Kirkland, it features over 60 windows and skylights to ensure the home is flooded with light year round. Details such as dual guest suites, a dog wash, a home office with a private entrance, and a covered patio with an outdoor kitchen make it ideal for both family life and entertaining. Step inside the light-flooded cathedral entry and take a journey of inspiration!
images: Life N Light Photography
Step into a modern sanctuary flooded with natural light, courtesy of its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. This minimalist haven seamlessly integrates indoor and outdoor spaces, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Sleek design elements, state-of-the-art technology, and open-concept living areas define this contemporary retreat, where luxury meets tranquility.
images: Ivan Bud
Located near the center of Kirkland, this 3300-SF, three-story single-family house features large windows and an open plan, filling the space with light and offering a seamless connection to the outdoors, with panoramic views of Lake Washington. The spacious backyard, complete with pergola and an outdoor kitchen, extends the entertainment space from a basement media room and sunken plaza. The modern design of the front facade w/ 3-story height entry, using Ceraclad and Shou Sugi Ban, emphasizes the home’s contemporary style.
Images: Trevor Dykstra
A Cohousing community unit!
This home is designed by the architect couple who co-developed and designed this cohousing community with their 8 neighbors. Their office Schemata Workshop is on the ground floor of the building.
The custom casework in this home is designed like a Swiss Army knife. The wood paneling encapsulates the private areas of the home and creates a warm and welcoming space to live and entertain. Hidden panels reveal the entry closet, powder room, frig, pantry, wine storage and bar.
Casework was completed by Dovetail.
images: William Wright Photography
Cabinetry images courtesy Schemata Workshop
This residence in West Seattle captures expansive water and mountain views. Accessed via cul-de-sac, it is backdropped by a wooded forest that removes you from the urban environment. Entering through a sculpted wood portal with a mahogany door, unobstructed views from wall to wall glass windows instantly envelop you.
The house is designed around a large, historic madrona tree. A white volume hovers above a rusted Corten steel base that engages the topography around it. All room perspectives into the landscape are constantly framed by the windows. Open plan extends onto expansive decks.
The site location involved minimal site disturbance, preserved all trees and maintained abundant green space. A bioretention garden with cistern was added to harvest rainwater and control storm run-off. Drought resistant landscaping using native plants, brush and grasses recreate a symbolic PNW landscape.
The house realizes spatial experiences created by methodical design decisions which are defined by the site’s distinctive attributes to form a responsive and dynamic environment stimulating the human spirit. Balanced architectural elements formed by natural materials allow the house to connect with the landscape while maintaining an intimate habitat.
images: Matthew Gallant
The project is a modest two-story single-family home constructed entirely overwater just west of the hirum chitterdam locks at the north edge of salmon bay shilshole ship canal.
The project replaces a small failing shack built on piers in 1937, matching the original overwater footprint, but with a new configuration of dwelling spaces. To mitigate limited access, steep slopes on the northern property border, the project incorporated a pedestrian bridge for access to the second floor living room and kitchen spaces, creating a simple open space within the bay and with views above the adjacent locks guide pier.
Sleeping spaces are located on the first floor with access to adjacent existing docks.
images: Jamie Leasure/ MA+DS Media
This extensive remodel of a 1950s single-story residence caters to a family with children and pets while emphasizing a connection to the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.
Key improvements encompassed relocating the staircase to grant access to a newly added second-story primary suite, a complete overhaul of the kitchen, and raising the ceiling in the main area by 12 inches to enhance sightlines. The bi-fold NanaWall door systems open seamlessly onto the same level as the cantilevered patio, fostering a fluid indoor-outdoor transition. By eliminating the central chimney fireplace and repositioning the stairs, the communal spaces now flow more smoothly into one another.
Taking cues from Nordic design principles, the renovation emphasized simplicity and functionality. A unified design scheme employed a restrained palette of materials, showcasing new warm oak flooring, textured tiles, and exposed wood elements. By streamlining material choices, the clients were able to invest in premium features such as high-quality windows and doors, as well as custom oak cabinetry. Externally, durable cedar siding and board-form concrete walls were chosen to endure the elements while blending the home with its wooded surroundings.
The remodel achieves a harmonious equilibrium between practicality, aesthetics, and environmental context, mirroring the family’s lifestyle and the innate charm of the region.
images: Porch Light Imaging
The design style is modern with bold textures, deep neutrals and contrasting colors. The juxtaposition of the different elements such as striking slabs and bold tiles alongside a limited color palette creates a tactful use of negative space that conveys depth and dynamic movement. The mix of vertical, straight lines that exude effortless elegance paired with organic movement makes the modern style inviting and refined.
Renders courtesy MN Custom Homes. Images coming soon!