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AIA Open House
Small site delivers on ambitious plan

By Elizabeth Rhodes
Seattle Times staff reporter

	GREG GILBERT / THE SEATTLE TIMES This Magnolia house is an extensive redesign of a smaller house that was purchased with a remodel in mind. The Asian-inspired architecture has minimalist interiors.
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The house: Located in a choice part of Seattle's Magnolia neighborhood, this house is an extensive redesign of a smaller house that was purchased with a remodel in mind. The goal was to take full advantage of the site — particularly the light and view — while reusing as much of the original structure as possible. Parts of the basement and main floor were saved. A new upper floor includes the master suite, home office and connecting deck, all with sweeping views of Seattle and Elliott Bay.

The architects: Peter Stoner and Scott Vajda of Peter Stoner Architects. "It was important to us," says Vajda, "that we take advantage of the site with the light and views, and that meant going up. But we didn't want to spread out and take up the yard. So we kept the smaller footprint. Since the design is modern and clean, we also wanted durable materials for the exterior." They chose metal siding.

	Peter Stoner

The owners: A three-generation family. They wanted Asian-inspired architecture with minimalist interiors to display their modern and traditional artwork and furnishings.

The contractor: Peter Davis Builders.

Judges' comments: "The project has a huge presence on the street. It could be argued that it doesn't fit with the neighborhood scale of things. Nevertheless, the massing of the building helps break the whole into pieces of more residential scale."

	Scott Vajda

The size: 2,600 square feet, three bedrooms, 3-1/2 baths.

Project cost: $605,000 (Includes labor, materials, building-permit fees, sales tax and some architect, contractor and/or consultant fees. Excludes land cost.)

Tour hours: Noon to 4 p.m. today, Sunday, only.

Address: 2252 Viewmont Way W., Seattle.

Driving directions: From 15th Avenue West, take the West Dravus Street exit and head west toward Magnolia. Turn left onto 20th Avenue West. It will become Thorndyke Avenue West. Turn right onto West Blaine Street, which becomes Condon Way West. Follow Condon Way West as it winds down the hill to West McGraw Street. Turn left onto West McGraw and continue through the commercial center. Turn left onto 34th Avenue West. Turn right onto Viewmont Way West. The house is at the intersection of Viewmont, Edgemont and 36th.

The Seattle Times/AIA Open House program began in 1954. All licensed architects are encouraged to submit residential work for review by the Seattle Chapter, AIA Open House committee. Call 206-448-4938.

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company