Eduardo Calderon
Vacation homes are often designed with simple living in mind, and this Washington state retreat is no exception. The homeowners asked architect Scott Allen to create “a common area that supports a wide range of activities.” They also wanted the capacious room to “make a visually seamless connection to the outdoors,” and materials that would be impervious to wear and tear inflicted by their two teenagers. “The real challenge,” Allen says, “was making the space work like a kitchen but relate to the overall architecture.”
The kitchen/dining/living/music room acts as one cohesive area thanks to consistency in scale and finishes. Ceilings soar above the space, but a dropped soffit encircles the room for a more intimate feel. Recessed cans mixed with architect-designed pendants give occupants various options for bright or subdued lighting. And two spacious islands attract family members finishing homework as well as guests coming to refill their wineglass. Hardy materials get refined finishes for a room that Allen designed to improve with age. Polished concrete floors hold up to constant movement between inside and out. Honed granite countertops yield a softer look but more forgiving surface. Solid wood cabinets add texture throughout the space and can withstand a slammed door or two. “The owners didn’t want any veneers or casework because they didn’t think it would stand up to the rigors of their family,” explains Allen. A minute gap separates each oak plank on cabinet doors to accommodate expansion and contraction without cracking. Allen stacked the boards horizontally within their frames because he feels “horizontal lines tend to be somewhat quieter.” An apt choice for such a multifaceted kitchen.
Project Credits
Builder: Schultz Miller, Seattle
Architect: Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects, Seattle
Project size: 672 square feet
Construction cost: Withheld
Photographer: Eduardo Calderon
Resources: Cabinets: Seattle Custom Cabinets; Countertops: Richlite; Dishwasher: Fisher Paykel; Glass tile: Ann Sacks; Oven: Miele; Patio doors/windows: Quantum; Plumbing fittings/fixtures: Franke and Hansgrohe; Range: Dynasty; Refrigerator: Sub-Zero.
