A Design Team Conquers A Seattle Home’s Site Challenges

Seattle couple Travis Penn and John Wicher’s new home came with several challenges — most notably its difficult site.

“There’s almost no flat land, so the foundations are enormous,” says architect Geoffrey Prentiss.

With a steep hillside and narrow driveway access, the project “was a complex three-dimensional puzzle that took an extreme amount of coordination,” says builder Paul Vassallo.

Still, Prentiss set to work on a design that would capture the views, provide ample storage and contend with the steep slope and property restrictions.

Landscape architect Scott Holsapple, too, tackled the exterior of the property, weeding out overgrown invasive species, incorporating ornamental elements and transforming the yard into a peaceful sanctuary where Travis and John could entertain.

Inside, designer Holly McKinley worked on a transitional look that would highlight the homeowners’ family heirlooms and artwork from their travels.

“I love to mix old and new pieces to give spaces layers of time,” McKinley says.

Despite the challenges, the home turned out perfectly, according to both the clients and the team members who poured their hearts into the project.

“The house was designed to capture the beautiful views and it retains a kind of warmth,” Vassallo says.