Floating above the forest floor
Set on a one-acre bluff above Puget Sound in Burien, Washington, a unique home designed by DeForest Architects manages to impress. Instead of relying on a single dramatic element, this residence negotiates its place in the steep, forested landscape with skill. Its living room is especially bold, hovering like a sophisticated, engineered treehouse above the forest floor.
Seamless indoor-outdoor connection
Ore Studios collaborated on the interiors, ensuring a seamless relationship between the home’s structural and design elements. Floor-to-ceiling windows framed in robust black steel invite the landscape inside, making the surrounding nature an intrinsic part of the living space. The room is anchored by a central fireplace, with vibrant touches like a red rug and blue lounge chair providing color against a serene palette. Haris Kenjar’s photography captures the understated elegance that pervades the home.
Thoughtful design continuity
The home maintains its coherence as you move from room to room. The dining area features blue chairs that add personality, drawing continuity through color. The adjacent kitchen’s walnut cabinetry introduces a warm, tactile element, contrasted with subtle red panels that nod to the living room’s rug. Each design choice is deliberate, offering a recital of style and substance, rooted in the picturesque surroundings.
A striking staircase centerpiece
A red steel staircase, inspired by the fire lookout towers of the Pacific Northwest, serves as a striking sculptural element. Its ascent through the home parallels the slope outside, turning a practical feature into the closest thing the home has to a sculpture. This staircase stands as a testament to the innovative spirit driving the entire project.
Explore more about architects blending natural landscapes with design in Kiyosaki Takeda’s timber house showcasing innovative use of retaining walls and materials.
Restful retreats connected with nature
Upstairs, the bedroom keeps the home’s aesthetic intact, featuring deep blues and calming grays. Large windows maintain a connection with the forested environment, mirroring the tranquility desired in this private space. Each aspect of the home adheres to a cohesive color and material strategy, ensuring every room resonates with the overall design vision.
A new architectural landmark
This home demonstrates that dramatic architecture can be both functional and harmonious. The collaboration between DeForest Architects, Ore Studios, and Toth Construction brings a cohesive structure to life, integrating seamlessly with its challenging site. This home, with its thoughtful design and dynamic interaction with nature, marks Burien as an emerging destination for architectural innovation.
Source: yankodesign.com
Frequently asked questions
What makes the living room in this home special?
The living room is bold for its sophisticated, engineered treehouse design, hovering above the forest floor with floor-to-ceiling windows that invite the surrounding nature inside.
How does the home’s design connect with its surroundings?
The home’s design connects with its surroundings through floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the landscape inside. The design choices, such as color and materials, resonate with the picturesque environment, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
What is unique about the staircase in the home?
The staircase is a red steel structure inspired by the fire lookout towers of the Pacific Northwest. It serves as a striking sculptural element and parallels the slope outside, highlighting the innovative spirit of the project.