Art Collector’s Retreat by ReruchaStudio
Art Collector’s Retreat is a mid-century retreat located in the Enatai neighborhood of Bellevue, WA, redesigned by ReruchaStudio.
About Art Collector’s Retreat
Reviving a Classic: A Kirk Home’s Transformation
Initially, every house showcases unique strengths and flaws. As such, architects always strive to unveil a home’s true essence, looking past its current imperfections. Specifically, for this particular residence, the inherent charm originated from the iconic architect, Paul Kirk. He passionately championed NW design, which seamlessly blended simple shapes, local materials, and a touch of Japanese tranquility. Yet, over time, various trendy makeovers somewhat obscured this home’s original elegance.
Moreover, a significant challenge was the house’s lackluster front view. Surprisingly, it presented a void, lacking both windows and defining architectural features, with an entrance located oddly through the carport. To rectify this, the design team, inspired by Paul Kirk’s vision, took the reins. Their primary goal? To pay fitting tribute to him and the art-savvy homeowners who keenly recognized the house’s latent potential. Consequently, they repositioned the front door, introduced expansive entry windows, and incorporated sleek glass garage doors. Furthermore, by reshaping the landscape and accentuating a handcrafted steel door, they skillfully crafted an inviting and captivating entryway.
Blending Interiors with Nature’s Serenity
On the other hand, the home’s standout feature was undoubtedly its glass-rich eastern wall. Regrettably, this radiant attribute merely overlooked a plain patio, and recently added walls further overshadowed its grandeur. Recognizing this, they promptly tore down those intruding barriers, breathing life and sunlight into the space. Subsequently, they aimed to mirror the home’s peaceful aura outdoors, leading them to design serene Japanese gardens. These gardens, adorned with classic elements like pine, stone, and moss, naturally evoke profound reflection—mirroring the art pieces inside. As a result, this harmonious marriage of indoor and outdoor realms makes the home feel spacious and grand, despite its modest footprint.
In conclusion, every meticulously chosen detail, from materials and landscaping to the interplay of light, collectively transforms the living space into an evocative work of art.
Photography by Lara Swimmer and Alex Hayden
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- by Matt Watts
