West Seattle Chalet is a Re-Imagined Mountain Retreat

The West Seattle Chalet designed by SHED Architecture & Design melds Swiss architectural inspiration with Pacific Northwest sensibilities, emphasising both aesthetics and energy efficiency.

The contemporary chalet, intended for a couple who lived in Switzerland for 15 years, replicates the jagged peaks of the Swiss Alps and was designed to target net-zero energy efficiency in sunny Seattle.

Warm and minimal interiors pervade the home’s wood-clad facade which encompasses three stories of street-facing, privacy-centric living space that form the key theme underlying the habitat.

Designed without children in mind, the home’s program fosters a sense of community with public living spaces situated at the southern side of the house.

Street-facing elements were requested by the home’s design-savvy owners to promote engagement with neighbours while private, garden-facing living spaces at the back of the house contribute views and access to the rear yard.

The upper level containing the primary living space is designed to function as a suite whose sitting area provides shared access to a deck with spectacular views of the Olympic Mountains.

“The house comprises three levels,” said the studio.

“On the main level, the entry and office face the street while the living, kitchen, and dining areas face east.”

A series of large window seats offering views of the garden are coupled with accessible north-facing, outdoor living spaces to encourage outdoor dining and bodily recreation in the warm summer months.

With its bones formed by the recycled foundations of an old structure that made way for the new one, the home’s lower level guest suite, bathroom and sauna, laundry and mid-utility storage space ensures great breadth in terms of functionality.

“The primary suite and a west-facing upper living room that adjoins a private deck with views of the Olympic Mountains” can be found on the home’s uppermost level.

Simple wood cladding reminiscent of Swiss barns and mountain structures provide warmth and shepherd heat during the cold rainy winters of the Pacific Northwest while copper accents appear in the muted palette.