Going Up & Out: Lake Forest Park’s Big Addition

A 1950s mid-century home expanded into a multi-generational property with Lake Washington views.

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.

Project at a Glance

Location: Lake Forest Park, Washington
Original structure: 1950s mid-century home
Addition: Second-story master suite
ADU: 3 bedrooms, 1 home office, 3 bathrooms
Views: Lake Washington from the addition
Services: Interior design, permit facilitation, addition design coordination
Use case: Multi-generational living, rental flexibility

Introduction

Lake Forest Park sits on the north shore of Lake Washington. The homes here were largely built mid-century, and many of them have good bones — sight lines, site placement, proportions that work. This one had all of that. The clients bought it knowing they wanted to expand it, not replace it.

The goal was a second-story master suite that felt connected to the original structure and an ADU substantial enough to function as a self-contained home.

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 a second story to a mid-century structure is not straightforward. The original roofline, the proportions, the way the home reads from the street — all of those have to be respected or the addition looks like an afterthought.

The ADU had real program requirements: three bedrooms, an office, three bathrooms. Fitting that into a secondary structure while maintaining separation from the main house took careful planning.

Design Decisions

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.

The second-story addition was positioned to capture Lake Washington views from the master suite. Window placement was intentional — large openings that frame the water without overexposing the interior to western light.

The ADU is designed as a complete home. The three bedrooms work for extended family or rental use. The office is separated enough from the living spaces to function as a genuine workspace. Three bathrooms mean no morning bottlenecks for multiple occupants.

Materials across both additions reference the mid-century language of the original home without copying it directly. The palette feels cohesive from the street and through the interior.

The Result

The Lake Forest Park property functions as a multi-generational home. The main house retained its character. The second-story addition captured views the original owners never had. The ADU provides genuine flexibility — for family, for guests, or as a rental that effectively helps service the mortgage.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you add a second story to a mid-century home without it looking wrong?

You start with the proportions of the original structure. The addition has to respect the existing roofline logic, even if it changes it. Material consistency helps. Being honest about what you’re doing also matters — a well-designed addition doesn’t pretend the original house was always two stories.

What went into the ADU design to make it feel like a separate home?

Separate entry, complete kitchen, full bathroom count, and a dedicated office space. The key is treating it like an actual home design project, not an afterthought. When the ADU has real program, it functions as real housing.

Can a second-story addition capture views that the original structure didn't have access to?

Yes. That’s often the best reason to add height. The original home was designed before anyone thought about maximizing the Lake Washington view from this particular lot. The addition corrects that.

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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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