These two speculative houses were designed with conversation in mind. The client wanted to build two houses on adjacent lots that spoke to each other in plan, so JA designed two 2,500+ sf L-shaped houses, connected by the long leg at the property line. The configuration allows for both privacy and a playful sense of intimacy; the houses share an interior courtyard, but are segmented into public and more private zones and angled away from each other toward the spectacular western views of Lake Washington. They are complemented by thoughtful landscaping that further promotes neighborly activity while keeping other areas more private.

The goal was to design a place where two couples could walk across each others’ lawns to their respective patios to share dinner, drinks, sunsets or stories. It is a setup intends to stimulate lasting relationships and a lifetime of conversations.

LOCATION Mercer Island, WA
AREA 2,500 SF / 2,800 SF
COMPLETED 2003
PHOTOGRAPHY Will Austin