Dorffel Renovation

This top-to-bottom renovation of a 1930’s Seattle home created an intriguing dialogue across time as the fresh, modern spirit of the renovation work acted to complement the more traditional home. A major, two-story addition was placed on the south side of the house, containing a stunning master bath and closet on the upper floor and a window-filled study on the ground floor. A dramatic, three-story stair hall was created in the center of the house, with a delicate new stair railing featuring laser-cut steel vertical supports. A sensuous, 8-ft. long custom fused glass light fixture was suspended over the new stairwell. The attic of the house was entirely reframed, allowing generous views and natural light to fill every room. Sustainable design ideas were present from the beginning. Every exterior wall and roof was insulated to the maximum extent possible. Groundsource wells were drilled to produce heat exchange and reduce both heating and cooling energy demand. Gas consumption has been reduced by about 90% A 3.4 kilowatt array of photovoltaic panels was placed on the roof. Radiant floor heating, low VOC paint, recycled wood flooring, VG Fir insulated windows and LED lighting were also included. Of course, the fact of the renovation itself is inherently sustainable, reclaiming all the embedded energy in the original 80-year-old house, which is now a wonderful combination of old and new.