SWEYOLOCKEN HOUSE

Perched on a bluff overlooking the Mercer Slough Nature Park, this residence serves as a familial haven for an active and burgeoning household, with the goal of intertwining their lives with the surrounding environment. The architectural layout adopts a Z-bar scheme strategically leveraging the cul-de-sac site setbacks and significant tree requirements. The two outer bars gracefully house the bedrooms, while the central bar accommodates the living, dining, and kitchen spaces. The primary objective was to preserve expansive open yard spaces while crafting two distinct courtyards oriented towards a scenic vista and a zen garden.

Situated at the termination of a cul-de-sac, the site possesses a distinctive curved notch, resulting in an elongated and bottlenecked configuration. The slender segment of the site, directly facing oncoming traffic, was judiciously allocated for the garage and utility rooms. Adjacent to the proposed garage stands a substantial tree on the western neighboring property, its canopy extending over the designated garage space. This pivotal feature influenced the decision to maintain a low height in the main body of the house, ensuring the preservation and harmony with the existing tree.
The front courtyard unfolds as a serene "nature bath," adorned with indigenous northwest vegetation, fostering a tranquil atmosphere of a zen garden. In contrast, the backyard emerges as a dynamic amalgamation of sanctuary and recreational zones, featuring spaces for yard games, a sports pool, outdoor living, dining, and kitchen facilities. Additionally, in the evening the backyard is designed with a covered outdoor fire pit for gatherings in all seasons, ensuring a multifaceted experience for the family and their guests.
To maximize the urban site's potential, we embraced its unique topography by capitalizing on its position at the precipice of a hill. This topographical advantage dictated the strategic placement of the primary suite which provides a covered outdoor area below, takes advantage of the scenic vistas, and provides privacy from future developments in the area. The careful orchestration of the architectural elements not only optimizes the functionality of the site within the urban context but also attempts to harmonizes with the natural surroundings, establishing a thoughtful place of refuge.