Project: Madison Park Ranch House
Architects: SHED Architecture & Design
Contractor: Ainslie-Davis Construction
Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
Completion Date: 2018
Photography: Rafael Soldi
The Madison Park Ranch House by SHED Architecture & Design revives a Northwest Contemporary residence in Seattle by peeling back years of remodels and restoring the home’s original spirit. Set on an 8,500-square-foot lot, the project enhances circulation, introduces natural landscaping, and creates inviting outdoor living spaces that connect seamlessly with the interior.
Restoring Cohesion and Spirit
Over time, the house had accumulated layers of fragmented renovations. SHED Architecture addressed this by opening up the compartmentalized floor plan, simplifying the bathrooms, and improving the flow between rooms. The goal was to honor the home’s ranch-style character while adapting it to contemporary living.
Materials That Bridge Past and Present
Materials were chosen to respect the home’s original palette while ensuring durability for the future. Expressed aggregate concrete tiles define the interior floors, echoing the exposed aggregate concrete pavers used outdoors. This continuity of texture and tone creates a cohesive transition between inside and outside.
Integrating House and Landscape
The design of the Madison Park Ranch House carefully connects the architecture with its natural surroundings. New pathways and steps wind through the yardscape, linking the home to a sequence of private outdoor spaces. The landscaping emphasizes native plantings, while mature trees provide shade and privacy, reinforcing the property’s sense of place.
Expansive Outdoor Living
Large sliding doors open the reconfigured kitchen onto an expansive deck, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living. From here, views extend over natural plantings to a lower fire pit patio, where concrete walls add both structure and seclusion. These outdoor living spaces weave through the property, creating places for gathering, relaxation, and year-round enjoyment.
Madison Park Ranch House as a Contemporary Classic
Ultimately, the Madison Park Ranch House balances preservation with renewal. By restoring cohesion, upgrading materials, and integrating the home into its landscape, SHED Architecture & Design created a residence that feels timeless, functional, and deeply rooted in its Seattle context.
