This Seattle Home’s Design Prioritizes Flow, a Connection to Nature, and Natural Light

A family of four had lived in their house in Seattle’s Hawthorne Hills neighborhood for years, but they were quickly outgrowing it—and another little one was on the way. The 1948 three-bedroom, two-bathroom home was beginning to feel a little tight. Instead of relocating to a bigger home, they decided to stay in their beloved neighborhood and rebuild their home from the ground up.

Rafael Soldi

“The project started as a plan to remodel the main floor and add a second story but soon developed into a full rebuild,” explains Aaron Trampush of Analog Architecture and Design. “Deciding to rebuild from the foundation up was a big leap, but it allowed us to make the most of the existing infrastructure, minimize disruption to the site, and keep costs down. Balancing the budget and the family’s vision was a challenge, but the result was worth the effort.”

The original house was on a corner lot with a detached garage. There was a large backyard for the kids to play in, but it felt closed off from the inside of the home, making it hard to keep an eye on them while they were outside.

Rafael Soldi

“The spaces felt small and didn’t connect well, natural light was limited, and it was hard to find a sense of flow—both in terms of movement and how the family lived day-to-day,” Aaron says. “It had an unfinished basement that was previously remodeled but was dark with low head heights.”

Aaron’s clients, Steve and Molly, wanted their newly designed home’s exterior to be unique, welcoming, and fit in with the architectural vernacular of the neighborhood. Inside, they wanted a warm, kid-friendly home that felt open and light-filled, and that was connected to the backyard.

Rafael Soldi

“They needed spaces that could handle their busy routine and host extended family gatherings typically around 20 people, while also feeling comfortable and inviting,” Aaron says. “Playfulness was a big part of their vision too. One of their favorite traditions in the old house was playing games of chase, and they wanted to keep that sense of fun alive in the new design. At the same time, they needed areas for work and focus, along with strong connections to the outdoors.”

Interestingly, the game of chase had a role in the layout and floor plan. Aaron says the floor plan was designed for movement—the pocket doors around the office create a loop around the staircase, which is perfect for running around.

Rafael Soldi

As you walk through the new home, you’ll notice the staircase and light well, which Aaron says is central to the design, since it allows light to pour into the middle of the house. The steel staircase is painted white to blend into the background, while also providing texture and rhythm.

Rafael Soldi

The cozy, but open living room features a fireplace and stone hearth. Transparent shelving at the windows defines the area and creates some privacy, without closing it off too much to the outside.

Rafael Soldi

The kitchen and dining areas are designed for hosting and busy days. Both spaces feature floor-to-ceiling glass doors that now connect seamlessly to the backyard. 

“The dining room is set below the double height space and catwalk to the bedrooms above. Its central location and volume work well for hosting larger gatherings,” adds Aaron.

Rafael Soldi

The home office is known as the “control center,” and overlooks the entry and street. “Designed for flexibility, it serves as a quiet, focused workspace during the day but can seamlessly open to the rest of the house when the pocket doors are slid back,” Aaron explains. “Thoughtful touches like a through-wall mail slot, a custom-built desk, and carefully selected architectural lighting make the space both highly functional and inviting.”

Rafael Soldi

Lastly, the primary bedroom has views of the neighborhood and the University of Washington nearby. The primary bathroom is a calming, relaxing retreat with a soaking tub and steam shower.

Rafael Soldi

Thoughtful and playful details make this home a unique space for the growing family. It’s both functional and true to the clients’ personalities.

Rafael Soldi

“Molly and I love to come back to our home after being away for trips,” Steve says. “It is such a comfortable, high-quality home that feels so good to spend time in. The flow throughout the house is fantastic. All the details are so well-thought-out and high-quality materials were designed, placed, and executed perfectly.” 

Contractor: Sound Builders Northwest