Knowing this compact modernist
home was an early work by iconic Seattle architect Victor
Steinbrueck, the owner felt the responsibility of being a steward of an
historically significant home. Like Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian homes, the house was
intended to be built by the owners' own hands and Steinbrueck designed the home in
modest materials; Concrete block walls and large expanses of 2x4 framed glass curtain walls.
While the underlying architectural and organization concepts were apparent, the quality of
the finish cabinets and appointments suffered under the financial and skill constraints of
the original owners. The current owner asked for a design which would substantially improve
the functionality and openness of the kitchen while respecting and, hopefully enhancing the
architect's original vision. Working under a budget that would have seemed tight even to the
1950 participants, Stock & Associates devised a scheme where they removed the wall that
separated (and darkened) the kitchen from the remainder of the house.
Upper storage cabinets with sliding doors, inspired by post war designs run
the full length of the rear wall; the horizontal proportions of the cabinets
visually lengthen and lighten the modest kitchen. Airy and open shelves of
the same proportion above the opposite counter separates the kitchen from
the dining and living spaces, while allowing light and vision to pass through.
In contrast to the warmth of the naturally finished fir upper cabinets, the lower
units are painted a medium gray to blend with the stainless steel and allow
reuse of some of the original drawer units. The appliances include separate refrigerator
and freezer units which are placed underneath the counter to increase the available working surface
as well as reduce visual clutter.
Bathroom Image by Sam Van Fleet Photography.
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