Capitol Hill Artist Residence, Seattle Interior Architecture, Washington Building Project Photos
Artist Residence, Capitol Hill Neighborhood Seattle
May 17, 2021
Capitol Hill Artist Residence
Design: Heliotrope Architects
Location: Seattle, Washington, USA

When a young couple approached Heliotrope Architects and asked them to design a home with an art studio inside, all parties sat around the table contributing ideas ? some atypical. The couple, an artist and an engineer, listed several additional criteria for their new home, Artist Residence: a contemporary style, but not out of place with the rest of the Capitol Hill neighborhood; a visual connection to the street balanced with privacy; a strong relationship between the interior and exterior; lots of natural light; an interior with an art-gallery-feel to accommodate their growing art collection; and a separate guest wing.
The resulting layout is reminiscent of a checker-board pattern, alternating between interior and exterior spaces. The main living and dining areas extend from the front entry courtyard to the rear patio courtyard, allowing for visual penetration from the backyard through to the front yard and street.

Because the main floor of the home is elevated above grade, it allows for occupants to observe the street but remain private, creating a sense of prospect and refuge in a dense urban setting. The art studio, which occupies a double height space with a cathedral ceiling, is adjacent to the main living ar...