Haven of Reflection
The original interior of this 1,400 square foot condominium in downtown Seattle didn’t do justice to the 23rd floor unit’s sweeping views of Elliott Bay. A significant structural renovation and complete overhaul of the finishes and furnishings fulfill the owner’s request for a warm, welcoming living space and celebrate the view of the bay beyond.
This condominium in downtown Seattle has a spectacular view of the city, Puget Sound, and the Olympic Mountains beyond. However, the original interior didn’t do justice to the 23rd-floor unit’s sweeping views of Elliott Bay. A significant structural renovation and complete overhaul of the finishes and furnishings fulfilled the owner’s request for a spare but warm and welcoming living space that celebrates the view of the bay beyond.
The apartment had the problem of a circuitous, unappealing route from the front door to the living room and its spectacular views. It featured stark track lighting and a sight line that led directly into the master bedroom. The unit’s main entryway is now softened with an uplit ceiling alcove, replacing the track lighting. Design Principal Jim Olson decided to make the journey down the narrow hallway into a beautiful adventure by lining the walls with sliding wooden shoji screens that conceal entrances to various rooms and utilities. The concept is rather like moving through a Japanese garden, giving a sense of anticipation.
The main view room was all window on one side and a solid wall at the back—it was a small room that housed the living, dining, and kitchen areas. A new reflective wall on the back gives a sense of space and reflects the amazing view on the other side. Rather than make the reflective wall entirely of plain mirrors, Olson sought a subtler expression that went into the realm of arts and crafts. To create the effect, sheets of glass were layered over stainless steel that had been blowtorched, turning them toasty brown. Olson also designed most of the furniture to unify the environment.
An existing glazed atrium afforded quasi-outdoor seating, yet interrupted the panoramic view from the living area and severely crowded the kitchen. By removing the glass surround and shifting the color scheme of the finishes, the reclaimed space gracefully incorporates the similarly redesigned living area and also allows for additional workspace in the kitchen. A custom-built dining table can be used for two or to seat a large dinner party. With the use of stacked metal and glass trays, flowers, and art, the table can become an artistic display, leaving one end for intimate dining.
Project Team: Jim Olson, FAIA, Design Principal; Naomi Mason, Interior Design Manager; Elisa Renouard, Architectural Staff; Irina Bokova, Interior Design
Contributors: 12th Avenue Iron, Custom fabricator; Brian Hood Lighting Design, Lighting Designer; Village Interiors, Custom Furniture Fabricator
Contractor: Schultz Miller
