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P R O F I L E | S T U A R T S I L K
E A ST-W EST
At this Seattle home located on a small bay on Lake
Washington in Washington Park, the architecture and
the garden are of equal importance.
W R I T T E N B Y K A R I N E M O N I É
PHOTOGRAPHS:
AARON
LEITZ
I N S P I R E D
"Our client's dream was to find a waterfront property with perfect exposure that would
allow them to build a garden that could accommodate their woodland treasures," says
Stuart Silk, principal at Stuart Silk Architects. "ey love the calming effect of water,
enjoy rowing along its shores, and viewing the nearby eagles, otters and blue herons. ey
have long been drawn to Japanese gardens because of their serenity and beauty. For over
20 years, they have amassed an impressive collection, which they have lovingly cared for
and painstakingly pruned consistent with the ancient traditions of Japanese landscaping.
For them, the garden was as important as the home."
Offering sweeping views of Lake Washington and the Cascades, this private,
sanctuary-like residence consists of a series of one-story pavilions connected by a covered
walkway, with the garden at its center. Each pavilion is dedicated to a specific function
to accommodate the living areas, bedrooms, an art studio and a garage that comprise the
dwelling. "e interplay between garden and structures weave in a dance that enhances
both," Silk notes. "e result is a living experience that is filled with surprise and delight
as the garden reveals its many secrets." In addition to the outdoor space, several elements
of the design were inspired by traditional Japanese homes, including the low-angled hip
roof, pairs of ultra-thin steel columns to support the roof and the covered walkway, and
the double doors that are dual activated.