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Balance Associates' Capitol Hill House in SeattleSeattle's densely-populated Capitol Hill neighborhood has a new addition to its largely modern residences; this 2,965 square-foot <a href="http://www.balanceassociates.com/projects/CapHilldescr.html">residence</a> designed by locally-based <a href="http://www.balanceassociates.com/">Balance Associates Architects</a>. The site—which is located on a steep hill—provides dramatic views for the home's residents, but presented certain constraints for the architecture and engineering team who worked to capitalize on the location while creating an elegant and environmentally-sensitive home. Constructed over a cantilevered base to provide 180 degree views of the landscape, the home also features an array of energy-efficient and sustainable systems.1
Balance Associates' Capitol Hill House in SeattleBalance Associates designs “for sustainability and energy efficiency, balancing (the clients’) desire for environmentally responsible building with the desire for an architecturally sophisticated home”. This residence is a great blend of form and function.2
Balance Associates' Capitol Hill House in SeattleIn order to stay within the permitted footprint of the previous house on this steep site in Capitol Hill, Balance Associates, Charter Construction and their design team cantilevered three sides of this home off of the concrete base providing for 180 degree views of the eastern mountains and neighboring lakes.3
Balance Associates' Capitol Hill House in SeattleThe building is designed with a translucent slot in the center of the home which filters the sunlight deep within the home.4
Balance Associates' Capitol Hill House in SeattleMost of the glazing is on the eastern façade to take advantage of the view, so the translucent materials of the center circulation slot are necessary.5
Balance Associates' Capitol Hill House in SeattleThe modern interiors and open floor plan of the main floor allow for the architectural details of the building to be displayed in an elegant way.6
Balance Associates' Capitol Hill House in SeattleThe custom-made acrylic stair treads allow for daylight to penetrate through the translucent circulation space in the middle of the home. This also provides an architectural feature for the home's entryway.7
Balance Associates' Capitol Hill House in SeattleThe interiors of the living areas of the home really extend to the views of Seattle with the floor-to-ceiling windows.8
