Lake Forest Park: Seamless Addition to a Mid-Century Legacy Home

In Lake Forest Park, our project showcases a stunning transformation of a 1950s mid-century home into a modern architectural gem. This framework retains the original footprint while introducing a second story that houses a luxurious master suite, complete with an en-suite bathroom and a spacious walk-in closet. An office area captures picturesque views of Lake Washington and the nearby mountains.

About This Project

Some projects carry more weight than others. This Lake Forest Park home was designed by our client’s grandfather — himself an architect — and it carried all the hallmarks of thoughtful mid-century design: clean lines, considered proportions, and a strong relationship to the land and the views of Lake Washington beyond. Our client needed more space, but they needed it added without disturbing what their grandfather had built.

The result is a seamless addition that expands the home significantly while honoring every principle of its original design. It is one of our most architecturally rigorous projects — and one of our most personally meaningful.

The Lake Forest Park project emphasizes contemporary home design that blends seamlessly with the serene natural landscape. The elegant landscaping and modern features enhance the beauty of the home while maintaining harmony with the tranquil neighborhood setting.

Contemporary home design harmonizing modern architecture with serene natural landscapes.

Contemporary home blends seamlessly with nature in a tranquil, well-maintained neighborhood setting.

Contemporary two-story home with elegant landscaping and modern architectural features.

The Challenge

Our design team thoroughly analyzed the Lake Forest Park properties through extensive feasibility studies and zoning analysis. This meticulous planning process was crucial in crafting a compliant, three-bedroom home that embraces modern living while adhering to local land use policies.

Adding significant new square footage to a historic mid-century home without disrupting its architectural language or proportions
Designing an attached dwelling unit with three bedrooms, an office, and three bathrooms that reads as intentional rather than appended
Ensuring every room in both the original home and the addition captures the stunning Lake Washington views

Our Design Approach

Modern two-story house and ADU design with large windows and a welcoming garden.

Contemporary home featuring elegant design, lush landscaping, and striking architectural elements.

Contemporary house design seamlessly blending with nature in a serene outdoor environment.

We began with an architectural study of the grandfather’s original design: its materials, its lines, its relationship to site and view. Only by understanding those decisions deeply could we make new ones that felt continuous rather than contrasting. The addition had to pass a simple test — it had to look like it had always been there.

The primary addition created a master suite on the main level and a private office on the second floor, giving the clients the personal space they needed while maintaining clear separation from the family and guest areas. The attached dwelling unit — three bedrooms, one office, and three full bathrooms — was designed as a complete, self-sufficient home that shares the property’s architectural DNA without compromising the privacy of either residence. View capture was paramount. Our architectural team mapped the sight lines from every room in both structures, ensuring that the addition not only preserved existing Lake Washington views but created new ones wherever the program allowed.

Design Details

Mid-century architectural language maintained across all new construction elements
Master suite addition with second-floor private office
Attached dwelling unit: three bedrooms, one office, three bathrooms
Panoramic Lake Washington views captured from every primary room in both structures
Seamless material and proportion continuity between original structure and addition
Site-responsive design with careful landscape integration

The Result

The Lake Forest Park project stands as a testament to what architecture can achieve when it listens first. The expanded home now serves a multigenerational family beautifully, with a self-sufficient ADU that will serve many purposes in the years ahead. And the grandfather’s design — his lines, his vision, his relationship to Lake Washington — remains intact, honored, and continued.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you approach additions to architecturally significant homes?

We begin with a thorough study of the original design — its materials, proportions, and principles — before making any new decisions. The goal is always for the addition to feel continuous, as if it had been part of the original vision.

What is included in the attached dwelling unit at Lake Forest Park?

The ADU includes three bedrooms, a dedicated office, and three full bathrooms — a fully independent residence designed to match the architectural character of the main home.

Can ARIID handle both architectural design and interior design for an addition?

Yes. Our team includes licensed architects and interior designers who collaborate throughout the process, ensuring that architecture and interior decisions are made together and reinforce each other from the start.

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If you’re ready to collaborate with a team that values craftsmanship, creativity, and care, we invite you to connect with us. Furthermore, you can explore more of what we offer through ARIID Build & ARIID Home—each dedicated to delivering a seamless, elevated experience for your home.

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