2290 s.f. New Residence
Ballard, Seattle, WA
WORKSHOP 3D, Architects

Originally purchased in 1997 this 1908 Ballard house had no light switches, only pull chains. The kitchen was fitted with a circa 1950’s electric stove. The heating was provided by a single large electric box wall mounted heater in the living room.

The house was sited 16 inches from the west property line and given the narrow lot configuration, any development was by necessity going to technically be a remodel in order to maintain the width of the future structure, although in all other ways, it is a new custom residence.

The existing house was raised with steel beams and hydraulic jacks, the lowest floor demolished, the site excavated underneath the house to allow for a full lower floor, and a new foundation and floor framing system was put in place. The house was lowered on to this new foundation and the top floor walls and roof replaced with a new two story structure.

Primary living space, i.e. living, dining, and kitchen are at the center, while bedroom are at either end. This organization was used on both the main living floor and the upper rental unit, while the lowest floor was developed as single space flowing through to the rear yard.

In order to keep the three main spaces on each floor as clear as possible, and to provide a contrasting “high density” feeling to set off the open nature of these central spaces, the side bays are double loaded with functions such as sleeping lofts over the closets and bathrooms.

In the upper level rental unit, full-width sleeping lofts are stacked over the bedrooms.

Eventually every square inch of the lot was detailed, with planting, walkways, patios, and a deck.

posted 12/18/2025 by Ray C. Freeman III