In a building previously designed by Jim Olson, Northwest Refuge transforms a once-compartmentalized, ground-floor residence into an atmospheric experience with westward views of Lake Washington. Its Northwest-inspired material palette uses wood walls and light coves to create pools of light, expanding the sense of space and reinforcing strong connections between the interior and the surrounding landscape.
Photo: Aaron Leitz
Northwest Refuge
Kirkland, Washington
Within this sculptural wooden box, a central hallway connects the public areas to the private bedrooms, with a procession of light coves that echo the soft, diffuse light of a cloudy day. Floor-to-ceiling windows at either end, including those framing lakeside views in the living and dining rooms, dissolve the boundary between the interior and outdoor seating areas while drawing natural light deep into the interior. The kitchen and office, set further back from the living and dining rooms, balance functional separation with proximity to the lake.
In the dining room, a dark, cool-toned wood grain table anchors the space, a striking departure from the airy palette of the white oak casework and white plaster walls. Built by Seattle woodworker Chadhaus, its linear base and square form echo the architecture’s horizontal lines, grounding the room without obscuring views of the lake.
White oak walls and casework, with subtle shifts in the wood grain’s tone and texture, lends an earthy, organic feeling to the space. Counterbalancing the white oak, white plaster accent walls and ceilings diffuse light, while warm gray concrete floors visually extend the interior into the garden.
Custom bronze accents—including the front door, the fireplace mantle, kitchen range hood, and recessed cabinet pulls— add rhythmic elegance and depth to an otherwise airy design.
Horizontal elements, such as bookshelves, ledges, light coves, and furniture draw the eye outward toward the view to emphasize the connection to nature. The garden, designed in tandem with the architecture, extends the home’s cadence of clean lines into the landscape through gravel pathways, native plantings, and potted greenery.
Custom furnishings designed by Olson Kundig and crafted by local artisans complement the architectural language. In the living room, a sofa features reinforced cushions that hold their shape, even with the client’s dogs lounging. The custom designed coffee table reinforces the material contrast of the space through a tonal interplay of stone and wood. Also crafted by Chadhaus, its glossy, cream stone top rests on a wire-brushed, deep walnut base in the shape of a cross. The stone’s eased edges soften its profile, complementing the subtle edges of the ceiling coves above.
Set back from the living room, the office desk continues the theme of horizontal lines. Crafted by Jonathan Paul, a Seattle furniture designer, the bleached, wire-brushed walnut surface, with honeyed tones and smooth grains, reflects the natural palette. Appearing to float from the casework, the desk mirrors the dining table’s form, creating continuity between the spaces. Functional features, such as a recessed cable tray and concealed drawers, balance utility with a sculptural sensibility.
Indoors and outdoors flow together to create a quintessential Pacific Northwest environment, soft and serene with a gentle sense of mystery.Jim Olson
FAIA, Design Principal
South Elizabeth Remodel
Denver, Colorado
Team
-
Kinsey Johnson
-
ChiaLin Ma