+ RALPH ANDERSON

Few architects are as closely associated with the evolution of the Northwest Regional style as Ralph Anderson. Influenced by forebears in the movement who included Paul Kirk, Roland Terry and Lionel Pries, his work is widely appreciated for its clean linearity, exposed structure, deep, protective roof overhangs and reliance on native materials. His residential work shows an appreciation of coastal indigenous structures, frequently including great spaces with vaulted ceilings that resemble longhouses, while his meticulously ordered window placement allows the home to function as a framing element for its surroundings.

During a nearly sixty-year career, Anderson’s name became synonymous with defining the Northwest living experience. Frequently published and awarded, his commissions are highly sought-after to this day, and have always been considered an imprimatur of good taste and evidence of an appreciation for the natural elements that make the region so special.

+ CONSTRUCTION

Since 4604 W Raye Street occupies such a unique and extraordinary piece of property, it enjoys an exceptional level of engineering and attention to detail in its construction. The house sits atop a massive concrete foundation that is secured to its hillside with structural steel pilings, thus ensuring long-term geotechnical stability and a secure footing for generations to come. To facilitate the house’s unique projection into its surroundings, cantilevered steel I-beams, spread footings, and welded steel perimeter beams have been incorporated to support every overhang and deck, creating a high degree of structural integrity. Wide flange steel, wood and concrete retaining walls are tied in throughout the structure to provide further structural integrity and prevent soil erosion. A sophisticated drainage system takes all water from the roof and patios off the property and directly into city drains. Finally, native, drought tolerant landscaping creates beautiful and natural outdoor spaces, while also retaining the hillside upon which the house is set.

The house was constructed from the finest natural materials available by a team of master craftspeople. Windows, doors, soffits, and interior trim details were all created from solid, clear, vertical grain Douglas fir, with dimensional white oak employed in casework, cabinetry, flooring and the staircase. Similarly, all exterior trim pieces, as well as decks and roofing soffits were built from select, vertical grain fir for long-term durability and a visual quality that is difficult to achieve with more mundane products. Throughout the house, all doors are solid core and custom heights to compliment soaring ceilings and windows, while the entry door is a masterpiece of fine wood and metal working. All hardware is by Sun Valley Bronze.

Travertine marble, granite, and honed slate are used throughout the kitchen, baths, and entry level to create a warm feeling of permanence, subtly complimented by custom copper accents that continue outside in the form of gutters and downspouts. All interior lighting fixtures were custom designed and fabricated from patinated copper and steel by artist John Geise to match similarly stunning metal fireplace surrounds. With an artful attention to detail, this house has been carefully planned and executed to present a finished product that is both beautiful and of heirloom quality.

Infrastructure and comfort systems are all state-of-the-art, starting with a hybrid heating and cooling system that provides in-floor radiant heat to the garage and ground level. Discreet, zoned, high-efficiency furnaces and air conditioning units supplying forced air to each of the two above-grade floors, and an instant hot-water system provides an unlimited supply. The entire house is CAT-5 wired for networking, and all integrated lighting systems are low-voltage, with Iris fixtures providing focusable spotlighting for art and collections. Daily clean-up is a snap with dedicated ground floor and bedroom-level laundry rooms. Whole-house audio provides effortless sound, while a monitored security system affords a high degree of protection, all supported by integrated circuitry for backup power. Power operated exterior awnings and shades allow the house to be battened down and protected during bouts of severe weather. Finally, an elevator runs from the fully finished garage up to the top floor, allowing for easy accessibility.

+ LAYOUT

4604 W Raye Street is thoughtfully laid out in living zones that cover three levels, in a reversed floorplan designed to maximize the home’s exceptional water views. They include a ground floor devoted to utility and storage, a second floor that contains all of the bedroom suites, and a dramatic top-level that functions as a great room with kitchen, dining and living spaces. The ground level includes a finished, two-car garage, a spacious multi-purpose room with its own entry courtyard, a laundry and utility room, powder room and ample storage space. The second floor is divided into two wings, one that includes two guest suites, and another that houses a sumptuous owners’ suite with walk-in closet and spectacular views of Puget Sound. The top level is an architectural tour-de-force: An open great room with a vaulted ceiling, custom walls of glass, intricate, exposed beams, a private study, and a stunning gourmet kitchen.

The home can be entered via a grand side staircase that carries visitors directly to the front door from its spacious driveway, or through the elevator from its two-car garage. The extra-deep garage is completely drywall and paint finished inside, with ample lighting and workspace, and impervious epoxy floors. It leads into a lower-level foyer that affords spacious access to a powder room, multiple storage closets, a fireproof and reinforced security room and a large multi-purpose area that is ideal for use as a home office, library or home theater. This space is completed with a wet bar and French door access to its own outdoor patio. A well laid out utility room contains all HVAC and infrastructure systems, along with a commercial-grade laundry area and additional storage. Honed slate floors tie this area together, and contrast nicely with the wool carpet found in the den and polished concrete in the utility room.

Second level is both the formal entry to the house and a private and peaceful enclave, devoted to personal space. There is a two-story foyer, featuring large-format travertine floors, exceptionally tall feature windows and an exquisitely designed and detailed continuation of the entry stair.

A recessed hallway leads back to the owners’ suite that occupies its own view wing of the house. This gorgeous retreat offers a sheltered, private balcony and a massive window that overlooksPuget Sound, with plenty of room for a seating area and high ceilings that create an airy sense of volume. The ensuite bath is clad in warm toned travertine marble, with a custom vanity for two, a jetted cast iron soaking tub, open, walk-in shower and a discreet water closet. The dressing room and walk-in closet reside just behind the bath to create a relaxing sense of privacy and exclusivity.

Two additional bedroom suites sit a couple of steps down in their own wing of the house. This includes a secondary laundry room for easy linen care and allows the bedrooms to tuck cozily under sloping eaves for an enveloping sensibility. Each suite includes a lovely bathroom finished with custom cabinetry and travertine marble.

The top floor contains four distinct spaces – a lofted landing that doubles as a gathering and display area, a discrete powder room, a private den and a glass wrapped great room with vaulted ceilings. This luxurious and dramatic space invites daily living and easy entertaining, with access to a grand, wraparound deck through walls of retractable glass doors. Both the den and great room are anchored by fireplaces with surrounds custom-fabricated by John Geise. Cor-ten steel and patinated copper compliment his meticulously crafted lighting fixtures. Exposed structural beams form an overhead armature that supports a vaulted ceiling which creates a sense of volume, while also countering the sweeping views with an enveloping feeling of enclosure.

The kitchen is a beautifully integrated laboratory for high performance cooking, featuring an eight burner Viking range and SubZero refrigeration. 5cm slab granite covers all counters and backsplashes, and a spacious island acts as a casual dining and serving bar. Cabinets are custom built from tight grain white oak, extending high up the walls for expansive storage.

With its spacious floorplan encompassing the kitchen, dining area, formal and informal seating spaces, the great room provides everything necessary for a truly sublime lifestyle. It’s a masterfully envisioned nest from which to take in the home’s glorious surroundings.

+ LOCATION AND SETTING

With its incomparable views, the West slope of Magnolia has long been one of Seattle’s most coveted residential enclaves. The unique topography of Raye Street and Perkins Lane allow for some of the most extraordinary scenery in Western Washington, while also affording close proximity to the natural wonders and recreational opportunities to be found throughout Magnolia’s numerous parks and greenways.

Situated on a peninsula, Magnolia has always offered a hospitable sense of privacy and tranquility that’s slightly off the beaten path, yet within the bounds of metropolitan Seattle, lending it the feeling of an autonomous community. Verdant hills, elegant landscaping and gracefully meandering streets help to create a sunny, curated and very lush year-round atmosphere. Magnolia Village, its central business district, has a charming sensibility that invites neighbors to co-mingle while carrying out their daily duties.

Magnolia offers convenient access to Seattle’s waterfront and downtown business districts, as well as easy connection to Ballard and Queen Ann Hill, to take advantage of the many cultural, dining, and commercial opportunities that the city has to offer. In addition, the neighborhood sits directly above three of Seattle’s busiest yachting and commercial harbors and is within an easy drive to Shilshole Bay and Golden Gardens Park.

+ CONCLUSION

4604 W Raye Street is that rare masterpiece of residential architecture that can only occur when patron, builder, and architect share a passion that is as great as the potential of a singular location. Together they have sculpted one of the most exceptionally crafted, meticulously engineered and masterfully designed homes in one of Seattle’s most coveted and unique residential enclaves.

The artistry employed in every detail of this residence creates timelessness, quality and value that will endure for generations of fortunate stewards.