In designing this 6,700-square-foot residence (and an 800-square-foot guest house), the architects faced the challenge of an extremely steep, long, and narrow site, accompanied by strict height requirements. Hutchison & Maul placed the house midway down the sloping site, providing easy access to the garage, and affording panoramic views west towards Seattle and the Olympic mountains beyond.

By locating the primary living spaces below down the hill, they could grant privacy to the owners. A large exterior courtyard carved into the hillside brings daylight to these living areas. This level has expansive floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that provide access to the subterranean courtyard and covered exterior deck. A smaller atrium, this one glazed, functions as part of the entrance courtyard.