The Johnson Partnership 1212 NE 65th St., Seattle, WA 98115 206-523-1618
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Schmitz Park Residence

   
Johnson Partnership Architects: The exterior was influenced by Scandinavian and Craftsman traditions.
Johnson Partnership Architects: The courtyard provides a gracious and sheltered entry.
Johnson Partnership Architects: The porch at the entry is broad enough to be welcoming.
Johnson Partnership Architects: The kitchen is full of sunlight.
Johnson Partnership Architects: The dining area directly adjoins the kitchen while keeping a separate identity.
Johnson Partnership Architects: The modest stir leads to the upstairs bedrooms.
Johnson Partnership Architects: The exposed beams in the parlor add character.
Johnson Partnership Architects: The garage and shop share driveway access.
Johnson Partnership Architects: A detail at the gable end.
The exterior was influenced by Scandinavian and Craftsman traditions.
Photo © Howard L Miller
The exterior was influenced by Scandinavian and Craftsman traditions.
This January 2000 AIA Seattle “Home of the Month” is located along the northern portion of the West Seattle site with all the living spaces stretched out along the southern side to maximize the southern exposure. Ancillary spaces, (i.e. bathroom, stair, laundry) are located along the northern side. The family room is at the back of the house overlooking the wooded Schmitz Park.

Situating the house on the north side of the site also created a large side yard on the south. The site slopes up to the west so that the side yard is above the front yard. A one-car garage is located in the basement of the main house facing the street at the lower level. A wide curving stairway and landscaping leads up to the main entry and terraced garden.

The design is influenced by the Craftsman tradition and Scandinavian forms. Striking exterior features include heavy timber brackets supporting four-foot wide overhangs at the gable ends and porch roofs and a timber band that runs around the house at the sill level of the upper floor windows. This band and the use of board and batt siding over cedar shingles were used to reduce the scale of the building, creating continuity at the garage entrance and a homey and welcoming feeling in the entry courtyard.