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Best Practice Architecture adds scalloped shingles to renovated 1950s house in Seattle
A retired mother enlisted the help of her daughter, a principal at Best Practice Architecture, to convert a neglected home into a wooden shingle-clad “multigenerational home base” with a basement level that can serve as its own apartment.
The house, called Lil Shingle, involved the renovation of a 1950s house in Seattle’s Mt Baker neighbourhood, which lies along Lake Washington.
Built into a sloped site, the two-storey house was in poor condition and was nicknamed Slanty Shanty by its former owners.
The house was purchased by a newly retired mother with three adult daughters, who desired a modest home with dedicated space for visitors. She envisioned a “warm and welcoming space” with a strong connection to the outdoors.
To fulfil her vision, she turned to local studio Best Practice Architecture, where her middle daughter is a principal. Her other two daughters – both of whom work in creative fields – also contributed to the design, making the project “a true family affair”.
At first, Best Practice did not envision a full overhaul of the house.
It had served as a rental property for decades, with its upper level holding an apartment and garage, and its basement level containing another apartment and garage.
The architects’ initial design called for “a few big moves and a handful of small, strategic layout changes”.
But soon after construction work began, the team discovered significant problems.
“The project team found the wall framing, floor framing and roof structure were failing, leaving only the existing basement foundation walls to be salvaged,” the studio said.
While the house needed to be rebuilt, the architects opted to stick with their original design scheme, meaning that many of the original elements were retained.
“Though effectively an entirely new house, traces of the old remain, including the footprint, the roof pitch, the overall layout, and most of the existing window and door openings,” the team said.
“Best Practice and the owner prioritised strategic structural changes, preserving the idiosyncrasies that made the house special.”
The 2,617-square-foot (243-square-metre) house is mostly rectangular in plan. The existing concrete foundation was preserved, and the wood framing was reconstructed.
Facades – originally covered in brick and basic siding – were re-clad with scalloped cedar shingles, which create “a friendly expression that befits the small home”.
Doors are a rich shade of baby blue, adding a dash of colour to the exterior.
On the ground level, the team added a small volume – a 52-square-foot (4.8-square-metre) mud room, which forms a “practical buffer at the entry for coats and muddy boots”.
“The goal of the project was never to maximise lot coverage or square footage, but to thoughtfully enhance what was already there, embracing the unique charm of the original 1950s home,” the team said.
The most significant change to the interior layout involved relocating the staircase, which formerly bisected the home. The staircase was rotated 90 degrees and moved to the southern end of the dwelling, which opened up the public zone and enhanced “flow and connectivity”.
In addition to the mud room, the ground level holds the public area and the primary bedroom suite.
The living room sits under a vaulted ceiling, punctured with a series of skylights. A fireplace with a glazed-brick surround in seafoam green serves as a focal point of the space.
Large sliding glass doors open onto a deck, where the occupants can enjoy indoor-outdoor living and take in views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains.
The primary bedroom features a bathroom wrapped in blue tile, an open closet with white oak cabinetry, and an adjoining laundry area.
The basement level – which functions as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) – encompasses two bedrooms, a den, a kitchenette, a bathroom, a laundry room and a gym.
“While connected through the new staircase, the lower level can be accessed separately to accommodate multi-generational living or future rental income,” the team said.
The furnishings and art were curated by Best Practice and the client’s eldest daughter, who is a photographer. It also features custom stained-glass windows designed by the owner’s youngest daughter and her partner.
“A true family collaboration, the house serves as a multigenerational home base that honours its past and embraces a new chapter of family gatherings and lifelong memories,” the team said.
Other projects by Best Practice include a weekend retreat for an artist in rural Washington and a quaint dwelling in Seattle that was adapted from a former houseboat.
The photography is by Rafael Soldi Photography.
meet the team
We’re inspired by diverse design perspectives, innovation, technology, art, and the world around us. We live for the chance to create and disperse powerful, genuine messages that resonate.
tessa franchini
principal
tessa@paxsonfay.com
Tessa graduated from Fordham University in New York with a dual bachelor's degree in Communications and Political Science. During her time at Fordham, she worked for an interior designer and at NBC News where she developed her love for both design and communications. After graduating, Tessa managed marketing at 3form, a pioneer in the sustainable building products industry. During her tenure, 3form was repeatedly named one of the most recognized manufacturers in the design industry among architects and designers, and the company won multiple awards for its innovative product launches. After 3form, Tessa consulted on marketing efforts with leading product manufacturers in architecture and design before starting Paxson Fay with Amy.
amy golden
principal
amy@paxsonfay.com
Originally from Seattle, Amy left her home in the Pacific Northwest to attend Fordham University, fulfilling her dream of living in New York City. After graduating with a BS in business administration, specializing in marketing and minoring in economics, Amy began her career in advertising sales at CNN and the Hallmark Channel in New York and LA. However, Amy’s love of writing, design, and connection with people ultimately led her to PR. While finishing her MBA back home at Seattle University, in 2015, Amy cofounded Paxson Fay with her friend and business partner, Tessa, driven by a shared vision to build a PR agency that reflected their values and passions. At Paxson Fay, Amy thrives in media relations and pitch development, enjoying the process of diving deep into each client’s story to craft compelling narratives that resonate with editors and journalists. Amy has a particular passion for architecture-focused projects, and securing SHED’s feature in The New York Times was an especially rewarding moment, as they were her first client. Another major career milestone was helping build out Paxson Fay’s talented team, fostering an environment where young professionals can grow their skills and pursue their passions. Outside of work, Amy loves spending time with her family, chasing after her two little boys, exploring Seattle’s restaurant scene, traveling with friends, and reading.
colby wood
senior account executive
colby@paxsonfay.com
After graduating from Fordham University in New York City with a major in Communications and Media Studies and a handful of marketing and PR internships, Colby moved to Boston to manage marketing for a small, women-owned, creative consulting agency. While in that role, Colby managed public relations and marketing efforts for some of Boston's most prominent events and public art initiatives, including the Boston Pickle Fair and The Bulfinch Crossing Projections in downtown Boston. Colby gained experience crafting brand stories and identities through social media marketing and creative copywriting, seen through the successful launch of a premier Massachusetts adult-use dispensary and the revamp of her agency's own website. After two years, Colby decided it was time to figure out what the West Coast was all about. Looking to blend her marketing experience with her passion for design and architecture, Colby found Paxson Fay, where she focuses on social media strategy and management and public relations.
paige childs
account executive
paige@paxsonfay.com
As a child, Paige wanted to be an architect; but after falling in love with storytelling, the power of words, and yes, the show West Wing, she decided to pursue journalism at The George Washington University in the nation’s capital. Following graduation, Paige crafted communications for the beauty and banking industries. Craving space for creativity, she joined the small team that would reopen the congressionally designated National Children’s Museum. There, she played an integral role in establishing the museum’s brand, bringing it to life across digital channels, including social media, email, and advertising. After nearly eight years in DC, she decided it was time for a change of scenery. Having grown fond of the title Washingtonian, she made the cross-country move to Washington State. She landed in Seattle at Paxson Fay, where in true full circle fashion she is the architect of social media and public relations strategies for our architecture and design clients.
martina povolo
account coordinator
martina@paxsonfay.com
Martina joined the Paxson Fay team as an intern when she was a senior at the University of Washington. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Interest Communications, Martina is now continuing with the team as a Communications Assistant. During her time at UW, Martina worked as the Special Sections Editor at the university’s newspapers where she won multiple awards for her front page spreads. Looking to blend her minors in real estate and environmental science with her focus in communications, Martina is passionate and excited to join the Paxson Fay team.
tara lyons
account coordinator
tara@paxsonfay.com
With roots in Napa and Denver, Tara ventured to the Pacific Northwest to pursue her academic journey at the University of Washington, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Education. Tara's love for writing began when she delved into songwriting, building on her pre-existing passion for singing and playing the piano. Following her undergraduate years, she returned to Paxson Fay, where she had previously interned, transitioning into the role of Communications Assistant. With a keen interest in PR and social media, Tara seamlessly integrates her creative flair into the professional realm. Outside of work, you'll find Tara passionately supporting the Kraken, embodying her love for both storytelling and sports.
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what we do
We are a communications firm founded in our passion for good design. Our unique approach to marketing and public relations in the architecture and design community has elevated our clients work to the next level. We’re backed by a talented community of creatives. From copywriters to social media experts, we provide a complete package of customized services. We strive to create a personal experience with each client, integrating teams and tackling your biggest marketing and public relations challenges from a high level. Then we help execute those plans ensuring lots of reporting along the way, with lots of coffee breaks in between because we’re from Seattle and that’s what we do.
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