The house is situated on a steep slope lot, 20’ from top to toe, that extends from the Main street pedestrian path and Leschi Park beyond to an alley below.
Located in Seattle’s Leschi neighborhood the Main Street House takes its name from the unimproved right of way and pedestrian path that bounds its site to the north. The house is situated on a steep slope lot, 20’ from top to toe, that extends from the Main street pedestrian path and Leschi Park beyond to an alley below. The site affords partial views of Lake Washington, Leschi Park, and the surrounding terrain. Multifamily developments to the east and south conspire with the topography to create a fishbowl effect.
The single-family house was built for a husband and wife, both geologists, nearing retirement but actively working from home. The primary aim of the clients was to develop spaces inside and out that engage the site and surroundings while retaining a sense of refuge.
The clients’ goals were achieved through an arrangement of the program and the composition of elements that work to focus views and extend enclosure beyond the building envelop. For instance, the dining room walls and ceiling extend out through large glass sliders to become the outdoor dining terrace. Similarly the low wall in the living room slides out past sliding doors to enclose a patio adjacent to the park.
