Open Corner Midcentury
Completed in early 2020, the OC Midcentury project involved an extensive remodel of a 1962 single-family home located on Mercer Island, WA. Nestled in a quiet, residential neighborhood, the home underwent a transformation to address both design inefficiencies and modern living needs.
Challenges
The original home was a two-story rectangular structure with a later, poorly integrated one-story gabled addition to the rear. This addition created an awkward ‘L’-shaped footprint that disrupted the natural flow of the space. Not only did this ad-hoc extension obstruct the connection to the outdoors, but it also created confusion in the layout by introducing competing living areas.
Additionally, the upstairs floor plan was overcrowded, with five small bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a cramped central hallway, leaving little room for a proper master suite or spacious circulation. The challenge was to restore a sense of flow, enhance the connection to nature, and create functional spaces for modern living.
Design Solutions
Our approach began by opening up the central core of the home to create a more seamless flow between the front and back. We strategically installed two 21-foot steel beams, which allowed us to eliminate several structural walls and create a large, open-concept space. This transformation unified the kitchen, dining, and living areas, which we arranged in a linear procession, creating a more intuitive layout.
To strengthen the connection to the outdoors, we replaced an inside corner of the ‘L’ with expansive glazing, turning what had once been a corner of separation into a bright, airy transition. The new large windows flood the interiors with natural light and offer unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape, erasing the previous barriers between the indoor and outdoor spaces.
Upstairs, we reimagined the cramped and disjointed layout. We reclaimed one of the small bedrooms to provide a spacious master suite, while also widening the central hallway to allow for better circulation and a more open, breathable feel.
Results
The remodeled OC Midcentury home now embraces its original architectural charm while incorporating modern functionality and design principles. The result is a bright, open, and inviting space that fosters a strong connection to nature and provides an enhanced living experience for its inhabitants.
Credits:
Architect: Analogous Architecture
Contractor: Ainslie-Davis Construction
Structural Engineer: Todd Perbix
Photography: Ross Eckert Photo
