Interior view of dining are and kitchen, the open floor plan keeps the space wide and comfortable.

Rubik

Situated at the crest of a hill overlooking an urban valley, Rubik is a city house in the trees. This sensitive hillside location only allowed a structure with an extremely limited footprint. The solution was to place two floors of living area on top of a compact concrete base. The simple volume of living space cantilevers in all directions beyond the base to accommodate a lofty three-bedroom home. The base contains a multipurpose garage space with stunning views of it’s own. 

Like its EB1 cousin to the south, Rubik employs a theme of minimal simplicity—from its volume to its materials and detailing. Expansive windows are carefully composed to maximize views and light. Interiors are composed of refined spaces of simple planes of plaster, wood, steel and glass. The house is predominantly opaque on three sides, with carefully placed openings to frame minor views and maximize privacy while balancing the largely transparent view wall to the west.   

Exterior photograph of blue panel sided residential house, sitting on concrete piers, the sun shines through the garage and the glass sit in the living room.
Exterior photo of a house on a steep slope hill in Seattle, WA.
The living room couch is centered on a dark, metal shelf with collectible objects, think floor to ceiling window allows the light to shine in but keep the space private.
Interior photograph of smaller sized kitchen with dining area; the space has lots of windows, the cooking and eating experience is very close to nature.
Kitchen detail shot with wonderful city view.
The cube shaped residential house sits on two concrete piers, the large windows allows the enjoy the sunset from the inside as well as from the porch.
Detail photograph of exterior view from a cozy, upper floor bedroom.
Bathroom photograph of double sink, shower and tub, the light color telework and glass shower door keeps the dark colored bathroom sink balanced.
Bedroom detail photograph with floor to ceiling windows with wood frames.
Bedroom detail photograph with midcentury furniture; the room has a floor to ceiling view to the city.

Location: Seattle, WA
Contractor: Bear’s Head
Photography: rho Architects

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