Project Overview: Mercer Island Modern Residence
The Mercer Island Modern Residence is an extraordinary example of contemporary architecture that embraces nature and the surrounding environment, created by Garret Cord Werner Architects & Interior Designers. Situated in the serene yet vibrant setting of the Seattle area, this exceptional home provides an exclusive, private inner city retreat while maintaining its connection to the surrounding urban landscape. By incorporating an innovative design philosophy and carefully selected natural materials, this home achieves a delicate balance between modernity and tranquility, offering a space that is both luxurious and deeply rooted in the principles of Zen-inspired architecture.
Architectural Vision & Design Philosophy
From the very beginning, the design of the Mercer Island Modern Residence was conceived with a deep respect for nature and the idea of creating a space that reflects the beauty and serenity of the landscape. The home is built with a Japanese-inspired design ethos, focusing on principles such as simplicity, natural beauty, and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The architects drew upon the calming aspects of Zen design to ensure that each element of the home fosters a sense of peace and mindfulness, creating an environment that feels more like a personal sanctuary than just a residence.
The home’s external appearance remains understated, with clean lines and muted materials that blend seamlessly with the lush greenery surrounding the property. This subtle exterior is in stark contrast to the openness and fluidity that define the interior spaces, which are designed to be expansive, bright, and airy, allowing for a complete sensory connection to the natural environment.
Water as a Central Design Element
One of the most striking features of the Mercer Island Modern Residence is the central use of water. Water, a recurring symbol in Japanese architecture, plays an integral role in creating a tranquil atmosphere throughout the home. The design incorporates a continuous water spine that flows through the residence, serving as both a practical element and an aesthetic focal point. This spine of water acts as a dynamic separator, creating distinct zones within the home while maintaining an overall sense of unity and fluidity.
At the entryway, a reflective pond sets a peaceful tone, its still waters reflecting the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. As visitors move further into the home, the waterway transitions into a lap pool positioned within the central core of the residence. This placement of the pool within the home is a bold design choice that integrates water as part of the home’s daily living experience. The water serves not only as a visual centerpiece but also contributes to the ambient sounds and sensory atmosphere within the space, enhancing the overall feeling of calmness.
At the farthest edge of the property lies an infinity spa, designed to merge with the panoramic views of Lake Washington and the surrounding pine trees. The infinity edge creates an illusion of boundless water that blends seamlessly with the lake in the distance, adding an unparalleled level of serenity and beauty to the home’s private spaces. The infinity spa, placed strategically for maximum privacy and tranquility, is a place where the inhabitants can fully immerse themselves in the peaceful surroundings, reflecting the ultimate integration of water, architecture, and nature.
Expansive Interiors and Flowing Spaces
True to Garret Cord Werner’s signature design philosophy of “inside-out” living, the interior spaces of the residence are designed to feel expansive and continuously connected to the exterior landscape. The home features large, floor-to-ceiling windows, making the outdoors an integral part of the living experience. These glazed walls invite natural light deep into the heart of the home, allowing for sweeping views of the mature foliage, the water features, and the surrounding forests and hills.
The floor plan is designed to promote a sense of openness, with fluid, interconnected spaces that allow the living areas to spill seamlessly into each other. The design carefully balances the public and private zones, with large, airy communal spaces such as the living room, kitchen, and dining area that open directly to the outdoor surroundings. Conversely, private spaces like bedrooms and intimate reading nooks are tucked away, offering the residents a sense of seclusion and retreat. The transition between these spaces is naturally facilitated by the architectural elements, such as the glazed interior bridges that connect different zones of the home, further reinforcing the waterway as the spine that unites the entire residence.
The home also utilizes natural materials such as warm wood accents, stone, and glass, to create a balanced environment where the design feels both contemporary and timeless. The integration of these materials fosters a sense of comfort and relaxation, allowing the home’s interiors to mirror the simplicity and elegance of nature.
Landscape and Exterior Integration
Beyond the architectural structure itself, the surrounding landscape design is a crucial component of the Mercer Island Modern Residence. Designed to complement the architecture, the landscape incorporates carefully curated gardens, patios, and pathways that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. The mature trees that surround the property create a lush, green boundary, maintaining a sense of privacy and seclusion from the outside world. The overall layout of the grounds provides spaces for outdoor entertaining, as well as private spots for the residents to enjoy quiet reflection and connection with nature.
The use of natural elements in both the architecture and landscape allows the residence to maintain a strong sense of place, where the boundaries between the interior and exterior become blurred. The outdoor spaces are designed as extensions of the indoor living areas, allowing the residents to feel at one with nature at every moment. Whether lounging by the infinity spa, strolling along the pathways, or relaxing within the living room, the experience of living in this home is one that constantly reconnects the homeowner with the tranquil beauty of the natural world.
A Sanctuary of Peace and Privacy
Ultimately, the Mercer Island Modern Residence is designed to be more than just a home — it is a sanctuary. By integrating architecture with nature, the design fosters a sense of balance, serenity, and mindfulness that permeates every inch of the property. Whether it is the sound of water flowing through the residence, the soothing views of the landscape, or the carefully designed spaces that promote relaxation and connection, every element is crafted to offer the highest level of comfort, peace, and private refuge.
This residence is a celebration of nature and modern architecture, an enduring testament to the vision of Garret Cord Werner Architects & Interior Designers. It showcases how thoughtful, innovative design can create spaces that not only meet the practical needs of daily life but also elevate the experience of living, offering a true escape from the stresses of the outside world.
