Building a new house from the ground up can seem a remote possibility in Seattle, but a backyard cottage on land already owned is one path to that goal. The homeowners saw this as their opportunity to do that, while also opening up the potential for the main house to bring in rental income, provide additional space for their work, or maybe even another remodel project for themselves in the future. We worked together on the layout and details to design a new house they love living in, with an open living room and kitchen for the whole family to work and play together. They delight in having rooms with big windows and high ceilings, efficient heating/cooling and ventilation, new appliances, fixtures and finishes of their own choosing. This house is special to them because it was designed it specifically for their family and how they want to live, without being constrained by existing structure.
