Estimated reading time: 9 minutes
Architecture/Interior Design: Nahoko Ueda, Ueda Design Studio, Seattle, WA
Builder: Mercer Builders, Mercer Island, WA
Kitchen Cabinetry: Space Theory, Seattle, WA
Photography: Kevin Scott, Seattle, WA, and New York, NY
It seems almost surreal that an oasis amidst a deep forest sits within the city limits of Seattle. Situated on Lake Washington, the property quietly settles against a gentle creek in the woods near Matthews Beach. Custom crafted for renowned Seattle artist Alden Mason in 1958 by architect Charles A. Marsh Jr. and builder Tom Paulsen, “The Alden Mason House” stands as a true mid-century modern retreat in the heart of the Pacific Northwest.
Embraced by its serene woodsy surroundings, the seamlessly integrated home eloquently reflects the artist’s profound admiration for nature. A vibrant and masterful painter, Mason considered himself “a bird watcher of sorts, a wanderer always looking for that magical perfect place.” Hence, his home mirrored this pursuit, welcoming guests to an enchanting interplay of light filtering through trees, the meditative murmurings of creek water, and the ever-changing dance of sunlight and shadow through a series of skylights placed throughout the house.
A Seattle couple instantly fell in love with this mid-century masterpiece and acquired it after Alden Mason’s passing in 2013. Yet, like many homes of its era, the residence faced challenges—cold winters, a compact kitchen, and tiny bathrooms—and desperately needed an update to meet the needs of today’s modern family.
“As architects, our usual joy lies in creating something entirely new or transforming old structures into contemporary homes,” says Tokyo native Nahoko Ueda, principal architect and founder of the Seattle firm Ueda Design Studio, enlisted by the homeowners to orchestrate the ambitious renovation. “However, this project was a departure from the norm, and the home’s unique beauty deserved to be well preserved. The owners wanted to maintain its original character, leading us to approach the project similar to a historical restoration. We honored and celebrated the house’s essence, listening to its history and envisioning its future needs.”
Elegant Integration
Cedar siding seamlessly wraps from the exterior to the interior, with ceilings and beams that extend outward to form overhangs and soffits. This continuity blurs the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, a design choice that reflects the artist Alden Mason’s deep appreciation for nature.
“Typical to Northwest mid-century modern homes, the original dwelling incorporated an extensive mix of woods as finishing materials, including cedar, fir, oak, and walnut,” notes Ueda. “We meticulously selected cabinet materials, ensuring no new wood species introduced would compete with the original elements.”
Transparent Transition
A charming pathway alongside the creek leads to the house, serving as a perfect transition from the outside world to the warmth of home. Upon opening the entrance door, an eye-catching open-tread stairs extend a welcoming gesture. “The original foyer lacked storage, which was a challenge for this family of four,” says Ueda. “To address this, we seamlessly integrated shoe cabinets and a coat closet into the existing walls. Using similar materials, we ensured the new additions complemented rather than overwhelmed the original design.”
The family resides in this house year-round, fully embracing the beauty of each season. Their son, an aspiring painter, has transformed one of Alden Mason’s former studios into his creative space, while their daughter has made the other adjacent studio her music room, where she practices piano and cello. These spaces allow the children to pursue their passions in a home deeply connected to artistic history.
Next-Level Living
After ascending the staircase, the living room takes center stage, harmonizing a close connection with the outdoors. A wall sculpture by Alden Mason provides an immediate and artistic greeting. Through the windows, a view of abundant trees nestling Lake Washington and the gentle sound of water form a captivating backdrop for this beautiful art piece. The steel fireplace blends with modern furniture, creating a sculptural tableau of timeless beauty.
Artist Atelier
A painting by Simeon Nikolov anchors the living room, which opens to the wraparound deck. “The owners expressed a desire for the house to exude the feeling of an artist’s house,” says Ueda. “The living areas have wall surfaces designed for hanging paintings. All interior furnishings were chosen to faithfully reflect the mid-century modern aesthetic—round doorknobs, cabinet pulls, and furniture pieces were all selected with this era in mind.”
Rustic & Refined
Featured in the staircase that leads to the living area and kitchen, a Robert Rauschenberg print given to the owners by a family member finds a special place of honor. Throughout, a mix of finishes—combining rustic elements with refined details—creates a satisfying eclecticism that brings warmth and character to the home. This blend of styles further enhances the cozy, welcoming atmosphere that defines this unique space.
“For the color palette, we opted for neutral, earthy tones that serve as a subtle backdrop for the artworks and the stunning Lake Washington backdrop visible through the windows,” adds Ueda. “The result is an interior that feels both cozy and timeless—modern and elegant.”
Form & Function
The kitchen/dining area underwent a complete transformation, aiming for timelessness, elegance, and functionality. A new skylight contributes to this atmosphere, and a tube-type kitchen exhaust hood cleverly ties the kitchen and the fireplace in the living space together. A table by Seattle studio Chadhaus complements the existing oak floors.
“Mindful of the various wood species already present throughout the house, we opted for a combination of walnut and white laminate for the new cabinetry,” says Ueda. “This choice seamlessly ties the kitchen to the rest of the house while maintaining a bright and elegant atmosphere.”
Radiant Warmth
While the living and dining areas boast high ceilings and large windows to fully embrace the surrounding landscape, the bedrooms feature lower ceilings that create intimate, cozy retreats. This thoughtful design allows the home to celebrate the beauty of the outdoors and provide comfort during colder months.
“Ensuring the comfort of this 65-year-old mid-century house has been our paramount objective throughout this project,” notes Ueda. “Operating within the given budget, our primary focus was enhancing warmth during winter. We introduced hydraulic radiant floor heating on the main level and installed wall radiant heaters on the lower level.”
The combination of new radiant heating, HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation), and roof insulation has significantly improved the home’s thermal performance. Now, it remains comfortably warm during winter months.
Skylit Shower
All three bathrooms in the home received thoughtful updates. However, the primary bath also saw expansion, with a new shower positioned under the existing skylight, a space once reserved for a primary closet. Dark tiles were selected to generate a serene and dramatic ambiance, complemented by the glow of brushed bronze shower fixtures and faucets.
Organic Simplicity
A dark wood screen wall next to the primary bathroom sink gives this intimate space a sense of privacy. Richly-grained wood cabinetry respects the home’s original character in style and materials.
Seasonal Splendor
Barely visible from the street and tucked into a wooded ravine just seven miles from the city’s iconic Space Needle, the property offers its owners a cozy sense of seclusion. Summer in the Pacific Northwest is especially cherished, and the family makes the most of the season by spending time outdoors on their spacious decks. Whether relaxing after a swim in Lake Washington or entertaining friends and family to the soothing sounds of the creek on their property, the home provides an ideal setting for enjoying nature.
In the winter, the family gathers around the fireplace, soaking in the warmth while admiring the view of the woods from the living room. This home truly offers them a tranquil oasis within the city, where they can appreciate both the natural surroundings and the enduring legacy of mid-century modern design.
“The synergy among the owner, builder, and architect was evident throughout the project,” notes Ueda. “We all shared a deep love and respect for the house, and our admiration extends to houses that age gracefully. Some homes retain their beauty over the years, while others become even more enchanting, gaining depth in space, richness in materials, and the distinctive aromas of wood. The interplay of light and shadow further enhances their allure. We firmly believe this house is one of those timeless gems that only grow more captivating with the passage of time.”
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