Seattle based Vandeventer + Carlander Architects designed this attractive residence on  a steep slope corner lot within a prestigious neighborhood. Existing conditions included neighbors to the west and north, a busy arterial below, and a residential street to the east. Although the existing residence got demolished, the site requirements have established the vertical datum to which the new design responds.

The Madrona Residence is the synthesis of site utilization, building technology, and client program. This synthesis results in a contemporary home respectful to its traditional setting while allowing the owners the space, light, and exterior spaces the property affords.


The site, a substandard lot measuring thirty-five feet wide by one-hundred five feet deep, is located mid-block along a wonderful residential street lined with a row of large, animated maple trees. From the sidewalk, the property slopes gently away to the east with an existing rockery defining the rear property line.

Common to many of the houses on the street are the following: first there is a consistent setback from the sidewalk, second nearly all the homes encompass the full width of their lots, and third most of the homes are a full two stories in height with roofs at the zoning height limit. Detail and character vary from neo-colonial to Seattle bungalow in style.