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In this gallery we present you with three homes by environmentally conscious firm Coates Design Architects.

Ellis Residence

The Ellis Residence is an example of modern residential design incorporating local environmental concerns, state-of-the art energy efficiency and visionary educational opportunities for the public. The project embodies the client’s vision of home that raises the bar for energy producing housing while maintaining aesthetic and livability. This LEED Platinum certified home is a milestone in the efforts to create truly sustainable designs.

Perched high upon Yeomalt Bluff, this home enjoys a commanding 180 degree view of the Puget Sound and Seattle. It features a 70% energy use reduction compared to an average North American home through the use of geothermal heat, photovoltaic energy collection, solar hot water, thermal massing, and heat-recovery technologies. Key features include: rain water collection cisterns, radiant floor heating, site-milled wood trim, triple-glazed windows and a vegetated roof.

Two major challenges arose during the design phase of the project: How to obtain efficient clean energy production in a rainy marine climate, on a small forested lot, and how to minimize the buildings impact on the site. The final solution for the homes clean energy production was the use of solar collectors and geothermal collectors that worked in synergy to ensure continuous clean energy production for the home. The second challenge resulted in the deconstruction and reuse of only one fir tree by a local artist. The tree was site milled and integrated into the stairs, benches and trim throughout the home.

Main hallway with natural wood staircase, ceiling, and more over brick structure, with floor to ceiling windows all around.

Central living space enclosed in box-like structure, with kitchen, dining and main hallway surrounding. Varying tones of natural wood abound on cabinetry, tables, and ceiling with embedded lighting.

Bathroom featuring full outdoors view, sunken tub in floor and minimalist, smooth panel wood on walls and cabinetry.

Landing atop staircase featuring wood and metal rail, curved wood and leather chaise lounge and patio door set in natural wood wall with windows all around.

Olympia Residence

Exterior materials comprised of cedar and stucco siding and metal accents contrast with floor to ceiling glazing on the North and South facing sides of the central core of the home. This area is visible from the front entrance, allowing for gracious views of the interior which extend all the way through to the back yard. Natural light illuminates this inviting open-plan, gathering space which includes the kitchen, living, and dining areas. The copper toned, stained birch ceiling and a concrete masonry fireplace add a sense of warmth to this area of the home, a casual yet functional space where the couple spends most of their free time along with their two dogs. A lighter-stained birch was used for all of the kitchen’s custom cabinetry and breakfast bar.

The concrete flooring used throughout the entire home continues beyond the living room’s South-side glazing, visually expanding the space into the back yard landscape. A concrete masonry wall located outside on the North-side of the home provides an element of privacy and creates a courtyard which can be seen from both the living space and their private home office.

Environmentally responsible features of the home include radiant floor heating, heat-recovery technology, and natural ventilation. A well is located on-site. Efficient planning and the repetition of elements throughout the house helped to keep costs down. What resulted was an economically-priced, modern home that complements its natural, rural environment.

Front entrance way with privacy wall, oblong pathway and large swaths of cedar visible.

Kitchen features light natural wood minimalist paneling everywhere, with slick black countertops, bar-style seating at the island, and floor to ceiling windows on exterior wall.

Expanded view of large open space shared with kitchen and living area, featuring brown couch, glass wood-pattern side table, and black leather ottoman over grey and orange patterned area rug. Extensive windows cover entire outer wall space.

Green Lake House

Key to the home’s modifications was opening the living room corner to an outdoor living area. The original design called for two large, punched sliding doors. These were replaced with two bi-folding doors that open from the corner, allowing for fluid access from the interior living area to the outdoor concrete fire pit and built-in grill. The exterior dining area with a built-in grill and bench is warmed by generous amounts of cedar and fir. Shelter from the elements is provided by a custom covered awning made of wood and polycarbonate panels.

The entryway is another notable area that was significantly transformed during the construction process. An interior door was replaced with an art niche to greet guests upon entering. To better establish this space as a focal point, custom stainless steel posts with a cable rail and custom stair treads were added to the design of the entry stairway. A custom chandelier made of suspended globes of varying sizes hangs from the space’s vaulted ceiling.

Thin profile trim was essential in creating a modern aesthetic, a task that proved to be a challenge. Previous sub- contractors anticipated the use of thicker trim to hide non-square framing and rough drywall edges. Careful adjustments were taken by the woodworker to meet design requirements and conceal the existing conditions.

The area of the home that required the most collaboration with the homeowners was the kitchen. Placement of the kitchen island cabinets to allow for easy access was of primary concern for Steve, who enjoys cooking and entertaining. Thoughtful coordination with subcontractors was critical in achieving the large cantilever at the corner of the silestone countertop.

Adjustments were also made to the height of the hood that hangs over the kitchen island to better accommodate Steve’s tall height. Above the island, a night sky soffit was designed using rift sawn oak to match the cabinetry.

Front view of the home, with concrete foundation forming entry stairway and garden surrounds, while natural wood siding warms the doorway.

Rear patio, featuring natural wood outdoor dining area with built-in grill, stone patio flooring, blue metal chairs and upper doorway overlooking.

Nighttime, pulled-back view of rear yard, highlighting concrete fire pit and folding open back living room door design, leaving home completely open in the rear.

View through open rear living room, with kitchen in distance. Light toned couches and chairs over white patterned rug mesh with light toned natural wood flooring and white walls throughout.

Close view of living room area, with sliding smoked glass doors to office. Hardwood flooring flows seamlessly throughout.

View of kitchen space, with yet another tone of natural wood on all minimalist cabinetry and carved wood stools. Slate countertops and second sick on island with built-in range complete the space. Dining room at far end.

Side view of kitchen area, highlighting grey tone countertop and nearly matching aluminum refrigerator sitting below huge windows completing the surrounding open view.

Main staircase features more wood trim over metal support railings, vertical window placements, and intricate ottoman with built in storage at landing.

Close view of dining area, with dark wood table pairing with lighter natural wood chairs over a beige rug. Yet another ceiling height window offers natural light, behind hung minimal chandeliers.