Copyright © 2000 The Seattle Times Company

Lifestyles : Sunday, February 27, 2000

Duncan Residence: Digging down artfully

Duncan Residence (West Seattle)
Architect: Lisa McNelis of Lisa McNelis Architects
Builder: MRJ Constructors
Construction cost: $300,000

The intent: Originally, the owners, empty nesters Bill and Jacqueline Duncan, wanted to remodel their West Seattle home by going up another story. But adding so much space, they decided, would be environmentally irresponsible. Instead, they ended up raising their house 2 feet when they discovered, in one of those unfortunate remodeling surprises, that they had no choice but to retrofit an entirely new foundation. (A previous remodel hid the truth of badly cracked concrete and nothing but 2 by 3s supporting the house!) While the 2,644-square-foot home remained modest outside, McNelis almost totally gutted the interior to reorient entertaining spaces

toward the Puget Sound view. And that new basement became a much-desired library with adjacent guest suite. Several spaces were designed to showcase sculpture by Jacqueline Duncan's son, and many interior details were fabricated by local artisans. Among them: an etched-glass front door, terrazzo countertops inlaid with colorful recycled glass, and wavy metal stair rails. Looking at before and after photos, the judges pronounced the new house a significant and artfully pleasing improvement. - Elizabeth Rhodes