Sound House is a project designed by GO′C located in Seattle’s Magnolia neighborhood. This elevated peninsula northwest of downtown offers expansive views across the Puget Sound and to downtown Seattle. The project is a 5,500 square foot single family home replacing the existing house built in the 1920’s. There was an existing plateau at the top of the house where the new structure is placed. An existing series of terraced gardens and pathways were reworked to form a dining terrace and pool terrace nestled into the slope. One of the driving factors in the design of the house was the almost 360 degree views from the site and the design allows these to be maximized on each of the levels. Photography by Kevin Scott.

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The program for the house was unique in that it needed to house a large family of two adults and six children.The owners, Brandon & Sarah Ebel, each had three children and combined families and homes for the first time with the build of this house. Each member of the house had unique needs and desires for how the spaces should function. For Brandon, a music lover and owner of a local record label, intertwining audio throughout the house and creating a space for his large record collection was a high priority. For Sarah, a NYT best selling author and chef extraordinaire, having calm refuges to write, a library to house her many books, and a large kitchen to cook for family and friends was key. For the kids, the aim was to create their own private spaces to escape and also a dedicated kids area to play and do homework with good connections to the family living space. The house is designed to be enjoyed by all members of the family with plenty of living space and access to the many exterior terraces and roof decks – creating a house to gather within was of utmost importance. From the extensive views of the Puget Sound, the music playing, and the six kids that inhabit the house – Sound House seemed like the perfect name for this project.

CREDITS:

LOCATION
Seattle, WA

GO’C PROJECT TEAM
Design Principals: Jon Gentry AIA, Aimée O’Carroll ARB
Architectural Staff: Ben Kruse, Yuchen Qiu

CONTRACTOR
Thomas Fragnoli Construction

STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING
Swenson Say Faget

CIVIL ENGINEERING
J Welch Engineering

LIGHTING DESIGN
Niteo

PHOTOGRAPHY
Kevin Scott