Saturday, April 29 | 11 am – 5:00 pm
IN PERSON!
Site Description
FEATURES: Design Innovation, Energy Efficient, Energy Star Appliances, Green Roof, Indoor Air Quality, Materials Efficiency, Small Square Footage
Sage – project architect – met the clients at a DADU fair at the beginning of the lockdown in 2020. They expressed a desire to have a very functional design for a backyard cottage for their elder parents. As we moved into the design process it became clear that something boldly expressive was desired… perhaps even quirky.
Mike – the Builder – was already on board working on a remodel of the “Big House” and was the obvious choice to build this cottage.
What started as a 700sf footprint with a 300sf loft – with ladder access for the kids and grandkids – soon evolved into a design with a real staircase to a proper second floor with a balcony to the great room… complete with railings from the reclaimed redwood. The roof/envelope shape is indeed bold. One of the site parameters was a power cable requiring the roof shape to be lower at the alley side (West). We chose to create one shed shape rising dramatically to the East and an interlocking shed shape low at the East. Fun to see from both the inside and outside. The design process with these clients was a delightful experience. We met (mostly) via zoom – the clients in Seattle, the homeowners (her parents) in Nevada and the Architect in studioB (aka a tricked out school bus) in South Park Seattle. As the envelope and windowing took shape – Rachael (the daughter) stated that “you have to push out there so that you can come back to something you love”. We did indeed investigate some lively ideas and came back to a balance of boldness and whimsy. There are three complimentary circles that enhance the design and living experience. Much energy was put into the layout to utilize every square foot of living space, the windowing for practicality and creativity, the siding materials, and the overall palette of colors.
Contractor LastingNest, Inc. and Architect S.A.G.E. Designs NW have been green long before green was cool and it is a maxim of both companies to keep pushing great sustainable ideas, materials and methods. Please come visit this lovely new asset to the Ravenna neighborhood and experience the joy for yourself. You might just want one in your own backyard.
