An Issaquah house will be featured on a tour of modern homes in and around the Seattle area on Sept. 7.
Tour organizers say the homes feature “cutting-edge contemporary design that takes advantage of the stunning landscape.” In addition to the Issaquah home, seven other homes are located in Bellevue, Seattle and Bainbridge Island.
The tour will be from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is self-directed.
Advance tickets are on sale through Friday, Sept. 6 at 8 p.m. for $30 each.Tickets purchased after that time must be purchased at any of the tour homes beginning at 11 a.m. on Sept. 7 for $40 each. Children 12 and under are free.
The mid-century modern, elegantly simple Issaquah home on Lake Sammamish was rescued from entropy and rebuilt as a better version of its former self. Built in 1963, this was a custom home that remained virtually untouched until it was transferred to the current owners.
When this project began in 2011, it was deeply in need of mold remediation, structural/egress/energy upgrades, and a design approach that required a close collaboration between owner, architect, and contractor in a constant cost-benefit exercise to stay within budget.
The historic value of the mid-century era design – the simplicity and expression of the post-and-beam construction, and gesture of volumes stepping down toward the water – was to be preserved. The renovation would connect the home’s interior to the waterfront and emphasize the transparency and modularity of the original design. The end result would need to be done with precision and style in homage to the original design, and personalized for the new family of four.
As demolition uncovered significant structural deterioration, the building was reduced to framing and rebuilt with reinforced shear walls, a new moment frame, and a high-performance building envelope. Key decorative elements from the original construction were preserved, including the entry door, bell-shaped fireplace, stair railings, and shoji screens that separate the master bedroom from the double-height living space.
Finishes were selected to last another 50 years (terrazzo flooring, walnut casework), and the design was carried out with precision.
More information is available at http://seattle.modernhometours.com.
A renovation of the home in 2011 would connect the home’s interior to the waterfront and emphasize the transparency and modularity of the original design. COURTESY PHOTO by Lara Swimmer
The historic value of the mid-century era design – the simplicity and expression of the post-and-beam construction, and gesture of volumes stepping down toward the water – was preserved under a 2011 renovation. COURTESY PHOTO by Lara Swimmer
