Phinney Mini

Best Practice was entrusted to guide the transformation of a much beloved 1907 farm cottage through a major renovation and modernization for a young family. Through carefully planned modifications and thoughtfully designed spaces, the cottage was reimagined into a functional, modern, and exquisitely detailed living space that feels altogether fresh and new yet preserves the quaint design and enchanting coziness of the original home.

Project Type

Single Family, Residential

Location

Phinney Ridge/Woodland Park. Seattle, WA

Status

Completed in June 2022

Scope

Micro Addition (30 sf) at rear
Remodel of Main Floor
Remodel of unfinished basement
New Rear Deck
New sunken office work shed
New landscape features

Size

Lot size: 2200 ft²
Home GSF: 1695 ft²
Office: 50 ft²

Contractor

Kable Design Build

Collaborators

Cambium, Inc
Lesley Petty Studio

Photo Credit

Rafael Soldi

Awards

2022 AIA Seattle Honor Award
2023 Builder’s Choice Project of the Year
2023 Your Modern Cottage Design Awards
2023 Dezeen Awards – House Extension Longlist

Press

Domino
Sunset
Your Modern Cottage
Architecture Lab

Rafael Soldi

The original home with gambrel style roof is surrounded by beautiful old growth and specimen trees, creating a lush entry yard. The Phinney Mini front porch was rebuilt to open onto this landscape, while the original front picture window preserves the charm of this lil cottage.

By adding a micro-addition on the rear of the home (just 30sf) the main floor was reconfigured to include a modernized kitchen, improved bath with traditional Japanese soaking tub – an ofuro – additional family space for play, guests, utility, storage, and improved connection to the yard.

There is only one bathroom in this home. The toilet, with its own small sink is located in a separate compartment, while a large family bath with custom vanity, shower and Japanese soaking tub can be accessed through a pocket door. Large accordion doors open to connect the tub (called an ofuro) to the exterior space on the deck.

The office shed was added mid way through the construction project, when the owner’s learned that their jobs would be permanently remote. A quiet area was required, but there was no extra space in the home to put a dedicated workspace. A small shed, bunkered into the rear yard allows for this private workspace, with windows that are level with grade, it provides a contemplative and green work environment. The planted roof helps keep the building cool, while helping to manage onsite stormwater.

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