Sunset Homes: a house designed by KIRK, WALLACE, MCKINLEY, AND ASSOC.

3/14/2025 09:49:00 PM

Located on Puget Sound in Washington, this house is full of ideas for bringing the interior into contact with the waterside site.

A roofed deck runs the length of the house that faces the ocean. The den, living-dining room, and master bed- room overlook it. The deck is both usable for an outdoor living area and as an exterior passageway. The deep overhang of the roof not only cuts down on afternoon glare but provides a substantial shelter so the owners can be outside even on stormy days.

The interior spaces are arranged sensibly and with great freedom despite the rigid modular structural sys- tem. A central roof monitor reaches up to bring overhead light into the living area. The fireplace alcove offers a conversational retreat that contrasts with the openness of the living room.

An entry bridge through a garden on the landward side of the house is roofed for protection against the weather. The floor plan also places utility, storage, and service areas on this side. The house was an award winner in an A.I.A.-Sunset Western Home Awards program.