Blue Ridge Green Custom
Location: Blue Ridge neighborhood of Seattle, WA
Design Goals: This new custom home in Seattle’s Blue Ridge neighborhood was envisioned as a high-performance residence that would fully embrace its sweeping Puget Sound views while responding thoughtfully to its environmentally sensitive site. H2D collaborated closely with the homeowners, a Seattle custom homebuilder, to develop a plan that replaced the existing residence with a new home of similar footprint, carefully minimizing additional site impact while dramatically enhancing performance, functionality, and livability. The design takes full advantage of the site’s topography with a daylight basement and two additional stories, each level strategically oriented to capture expansive territorial and water views while maintaining privacy from neighboring properties. Construction methods and materials were selected to achieve near passive-house-level performance, including an Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) foundation, high-performance wall and roof assemblies, and advanced HVAC systems, creating a comfortable and energy-efficient home year-round. In addition to technical performance, the design emphasizes thoughtful living and refined details, incorporating an attached accessory dwelling unit (ADU), a residential elevator, hidden storage solutions, distinctive custom built-ins, elegant tilework, and a gourmet kitchen with views of the Puget Sound. The result is a home that seamlessly blends sustainability, craftsmanship, and everyday comforts while remaining deeply connected to its remarkable natural setting.
Style: Traditional
Design Challenges + Site Constraints: This project presented a complex set of regulatory, site, and design challenges that required careful coordination. The home is sited on the edge of a steep slope adjacent to a greenbelt, creating both physical and environmental constraints for the new home. H2D worked closely with the homeowners to navigate the neighborhood design review process—a rigorous series of iterations aimed at satisfying neighbors’ concerns while ensuring the home fit seamlessly within the neighborhood fabric. At the same time, the team managed a lengthy City of Seattle variance process to allow development within a steep slope critical area, carefully balancing the homeowners’ vision with strict variance criteria. These constraints required a thoughtful approach to site planning, massing, and orientation to maximize views, preserve the slope, and meet all regulatory requirements while creating a high-performance, livable home.
Team:
+ Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design
+ Interior Design: H2D Architecture + Design
+ Built by: Carlisle Classic Homes
+ Photography: Christopher Nelson Photography