R House // seattle, wa

At R House, a northwest plant palette is featured at the edge of the driveway leading to the modern home.  A custom steel gate and fence screen the home from the street.  Inside the gate, an autocourt serves dual purposes, providing parking and serving as a sports court.  The concrete entry walkway leads from the autocourt to the front door and a breezeway.  Steps lead down to the waterfront from both side gardens.  

As the home and garden are shaded by Douglas fir trees, plants such as ferns, hostas, and hellebores were selected for this environment.  Three bio-filtration planters are planted with a wide range of plants native to the region.  A series of large boulders anchor the breezeway and waterside garden.  Osmathanus and Portugal laurel provide privacy from adjoining properties.

Terraces open out from the home’s lower level, while steps lead down from the main living area to the back garden.  At the water’s edge, a lawn provides space for recreation and outdoor seating.  Paving on the waterfront side is cast in place concrete pavers with planted joints.  A fire feature is set in a crushed rock surfaced area, edged in steel.  An outdoor shower and spa can are located on the lake side of the home to take advantage of views.  Monolithic weathered granite stones were used to circumnavigate the residence. Raised vegetable beds provide herbs and produce for the owners and a climbing wall on the north façade of the residence is both visually striking and fun.

Architecture: KOR | General Contractor: Schultz Miller