Contemporay Intrigue in Mercer Island Courtyard House | Home Design Find
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Contemporay Intrigue in Mercer Island Courtyard House

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An eerie cool light comes in from the courtyard dug out of the hillside around this house on Mercer Island in Washington.

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An inverted version features at the center of the house; a ‘courtyard” that contains and conceals the stairs.

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Within, a beautiful fireplace clad in black contrasts with the warmth of the flame.

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Black steel, concrete and glass also form the courtyard that is the central concept of this beautiful contemporary holiday home by Hutchison and Maul.

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Like many holiday houses, the contemporary beauty overlooks a watery view.

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The Courtyard House is clad in corrosion-resistant metal, not only the roof, but the walls.

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It can be entered by a bridge that crosses above the courtyard that is dug out of the hillside.

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Stairs take you down into the center of the house between walls forming this dizzying external passageway.

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Local rocky remnants of the steep hillside are given a reverent placement at the entrance.
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The Washington climate is frequently foggy and rainy so the house is designed to give both views and protection from cold.
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Floor to ceiling glazing with energy conserving double pane glass combines with the warmth of a fire.

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The internal courtyard can be viewed from two sides.

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From the courtyard itself, the watery view can be seen through the house.

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The enormous concrete base indicates the steepness of the narrow site, and why the tall concrete courtyard made sense.

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While downstairs all is rich dark woods and black steel; upstairs forms a contrast.

Serenely facing out across the water, colors give way to peaceful all-white interiors.

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