Location
Seattle, Washington
Size
2,600 SF
Timeframe
2014 – 2015
General Contractor
Mike Cain Construction
Photography
Perspective Image Photography
When the owners of this classic Seattle bungalow needed more space for their growing family, the design challenge was to add bedrooms and living area without altering the home’s modest scale or disrupting the character of its Maple Leaf neighborhood. Rather than building upward with a second story, the solution was to lift the existing structure, increasing headroom in the basement while preserving the home’s original roofline and proportions.
The strategy not only maintained harmony with adjacent houses but also created light-filled, livable spaces below. A relocated stair introduces a central atrium, allowing daylight to filter into the basement hallway. Windowsills were set low enough to feel like those of a main floor, ensuring the new level feels open and connected rather than buried.
Inside, the renovation balanced practicality with thoughtful detail. The new bathroom features classic materials—marble tile and counters, polished fixtures, and crisp white finishes—that tie seamlessly into the home’s original character. At the foot of the stair, a built-in kennel and dog door provide a dedicated space for the family’s retriever, Sadie, complete with direct access to the yard.
By choosing a restrained architectural move and carefully layering in natural light, the renovation expands the home’s function while honoring its neighborhood context—delivering space, comfort, and character in equal measure. The work was completed while Mark was a founding principal at Urbanadd.
