Denny Blaine Modern Remodel

Location: Denny Blaine neighborhood of Seattle, WA

Design Goals: Located in Seattle's Denny Blaine neighborhood, this residence had previously undergone a second-story addition before being purchased by its current owners. The homeowners engaged H2D Architecture + Design to update the home with new finishes, improved accessibility with a new residential elevator, expanded outdoor living spaces, rooftop deck, and a larger garage. A key component of the project was the installation of a cylindrical pneumatic vacuum elevator serving all three floors of the home. The elevator was integrated into the central portion of the existing layout, requiring modifications throughout the house. This project was the first permitted installation of a residential cylindrical pneumatic vacuum elevator in the State of Washington. The lower floor was reconfigured to include access to the elevator, as well as a media room and secondary kitchen for entertaining and guest use. The main floor was updated with new finishes and fixtures, including Henrybuilt cabinetry, Sub-Zero and Wolf appliances, and a wet bar integrated into the living spaces with a hidden door. On the upper floor, a new stair was added to provide access to a rooftop deck with views of the surrounding neighborhood. The garage was expanded to increase vehicle storage and functionality. Above, a new rooftop deck was created adjacent to the home office, providing additional outdoor space. The front yard was regraded and landscaped with retaining walls and planting areas that complement the home's modern aethetic. The completed project transformed the existing house into a modern residence with improved accessibility, updated living spaces, and expanded indoor-outdoor connections.

Style: Contemporary

Design Challenges + Site Constraints: One of the primary design challenges was integrating a three-story pneumatic vacuum elevator into the center of the existing home. The elevator required new floor openings, structural modifications, and careful coordination of circulation spaces on all levels, all while working within the constraints of the existing floor plan. Balancing the technical requirements of the elevator with the desire to maintain functional and comfortable living spaces required thoughtful planning and creative design solutions. Rather than significantly increasing the square footage of the home, the project focused on enhancing value through strategic improvements to the existing structure. High-quality materials, custom millwork, premium appliances, and carefully considered architectural details were incorporated throughout the renovation to elevate the home's functionality, appearance, and long-term value while maximizing the potential of the existing footprint.

Team:
+ Architecture: H2D Architecture + Design
+ Interior Design: H2D Architecture + Design
+ Builder: GT Residential
+ Photography:  Nathaniel Willson Photography