When you live in a suburban area, it can be difficult to figure out how to get more space out of your home. Such was the case for this Tudor home, located in Seattle’s Ravenna neighborhood. So the clients brought in architectural design help from Seattle-based firm Paul Michael Davis Architects in collaboration with builder Karlstrom Associates, Strong Work Structural Engineering, and a design team made up of Paul Michael Davis, Tiffany Chow, Gabrielle Herbosa, and Graham Day. The result is a creative and eco-conscious expansion to the indoor and outdoor living spaces.
The team dubbed this project, “Tudor in the front, party in the back,” because the existing home was a Tudor revival bungalow. The upper level was in good shape, but the basement was mostly unfinished with the exception of one finished bedroom, adorned to look like the captain’s quarters on a ship. The space was drafty and cold. To minimize the otherwise natural basement chill, an insulated slab replaced the entire existing basement slab, tight insulation was used throughout and two heat pumps were creatively placed for temperature control.
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Contrasting that heavily wooded ship theme in the bedroom, the rest of the basement was lightened up with the use of white paint, tile and countertops. Wood accents were added in furnishings, stairs and support beams.
Sleeping and living spaces were built into the basement, and all windows (except one original leaded glass) were replaced for high-efficiency and natural light. An existing pointed arch in the living and dining area stood as inspiration for joining the old with the new. The upper and lower levels were connected with a new stairway that features a matching arch.
The owners also wanted to add a garage, so the design team made efficient use of the addition to create a rooftop deck above it. The extension is attached to the yard below, which is irrigated through the collection of rainwater. The garage itself includes an electric vehicle charger.
With added attic insulation, a solar array, LED lighting, high-efficiency appliances, cork floors and smart home technology, the Ravenna home now exceeds the current Seattle energy code.
+ Paul Michael Davis Architects
Photography by David Lee via Paul Michael Davis Architects
