SHILSHOLE MIDCENTURY RESTORATION

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE — RESTORATION / RENOVATION — MODERN DESIGN — Midcentury

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Built in 1959 by midcentury NW architect Art Johansen (sketch at left), the Shilshole Residence is a study in modernist principles adapted to local materials. Wood-clad walls running parallel to the street create a series of interlocking volumes connected by glass voids. This thoughtful renovation maintains the home's unique character while providing comprehensive updates to both interior finishes and exterior envelope.

Key exterior elements include the striking shou sugi ban siding, a view-facing glass wall spanning one entire side of the home, and lush landscaping. The custom house numbers—milled directly into the siding in CAST's own shop—were inspired by Johansen's early design sketches found in the home.

Inside, a continuous line from the remodeled kitchen to the original fireplace unifies the space. Geometric metalwork, warm walnut cabinetry, quartz countertops, and multiple skylights bring texture and richness to the interiors. The primary suite and study keep all of the main living spaces on the main floor. The lower level features an exercise room and a guest suite with a separate entrance, where the original brick is stained black to create a dramatic, modern contrast.

The home retains its existing footprint, retaining captured carbon in its existing construction while vastly increasing its energy efficiency. While the house is modest in size, the surgical addition of new openings makes it feel much larger, particularly in the primary suite with its spa-like bathroom.

Green design: Reuse/renovation - captured embodied carbon in existing construction

Photography: Peter Bohler