AIA Home of Distinction Archives

AIA Home of Distinction: The DADU with Puget Sound Views That Makes Compact Living Feel Spacious

When an unsightly garage brought her down, a Sunset Hill woman built it up

For the ground level of the DADU, project designer Theresa Freeman of SHKS Architects recommended concrete floors to withstand everything from a pingpong game to boat-building; white rock was mixed with the concrete to lighten the appearance before polish

Jennifer Pinto

AIA Home of Distinction: A Seattle Architect Takes On the Tiny-Home Challenge

In a Seattle tiny house village, two shelters work together to offer more than just a place to call home

The two-unit Parabay Home, located in Nickelsville Georgetown, is designed for a family with kids in one unit and adults in the other; facing glass windows keep everyone in view of each other. The space between the units creates a semi-private “yard.”

Nia Martin

This Urban Farmhouse in the Central District Comes With Spectacular Views

A couple rebuilds a 1940s house into an easy-to-live-in urban farmhouse.

An extensive backyard garden is part of Leslie (left) and Jessica Bower’s new house which was built on the foundation of the original 1949 structure.

Niki Stojnic

This Floating Home on Lake Union is a Primo House Party Boat

A floating home on Lake Union provides everyday peace and a place to entertain.

Docked in the Eastlake neighborhood, the first floor of this floating home houses the master bed and bath, with the communal spaces just above, and roof access via sliding ladder.

Nia Martin

This Modern Backyard ‘Cabin’ is an Urban Oasis in Green Lake

Good things really do come in small packages.

Concrete floors line the kitchen/living area in this 620-square-foot detatched accessory dwelling unit (DADU) that looks out onto its own private yard.

Niki Stojnic

The Danish Know How to Rock a Spectacular Summer House

This Danish-inspired Hood Canal getaway offers year-round relaxation.

A phalanx of French doors line the main living space, opening out onto the woods and Hood Canal.

Maria Dolan

This stunning Decatur Island cabin is the next best thing to owning a private island

AIA Seattle Home of Distinction: Queen Anne couple finds the perfect retreat from their urban lifestyle.

The landscape largely dictated the footprint of the cabin, which left the surrounding madrona trees in place.

Nia Martin

AIA Home of Distinction: A Light-Filled Case Inlet Cabin

This modern Northwest cabin on Herron Island establishes a connection to its natural surrounds with expansive windows, wraparound glass doors, plus a hidden sunken tub that gives the illusion of soaking among the trees

Walk over the 20-foot-long steel bridge and turn left to reach the two-story Herron Island home’s main entrance. Thanks to the site’s slope, homeowners take in extraordinary views of Case Inlet from both levels

Lauren Mang

AIA Home of Distinction: A Mercer Island Residence of Heart and Soul

A Mercer Island home nurtures family ties

The Japanese Maple tree visible through the living room window of this Mercer Island home (alternate view below), was a gift to the owner when his father passed away. More than 20 years later it is a vibrant part of the landscape

Jennifer McCullum

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