Lake Washington Residence

Lake Washington Residence Photography by: Richard Hartlage Land Morphology Located on the calm shores of Lake Washington, the Lake Washington Residence reflects the balance of natural beauty and aesthetic design, painstakingly done by the team at Richard Hartlage Land Morphology. Serving the active communities of Bainbridge Island, Bellevue, Kirkland, Mercer Island, and Seattle, we transformed this lakeside property into a spectacular outdoor landscape retreat. The included a full re-design of the outdoor spaces, focusing on sustainable practices while enhancing the residence’s connectivity to the surrounding property. We selected native plants from the Pacific Northwest including ferns and wildflowers to form a colorful palette through the seasons. The use of porous stone paths provided beautiful access throughout the property while permitting proper drainage and responsible use of the natural elements. A primary challenge was the steep slope to the lake, and we set out to create an innovative solution for this retaining wall. Our team decided to source basalt locally to articulate a strong, yet authentic- land-form. The terraces provided stabilization to the hillside, and even more so, created artistically assembled gathering spaces with custom seating overlooking the lake. To augment the outdoor experience, we designed a natural swimming cove with a gentle entry into the lake, sheltered by plants on three sides to provide a level of privacy, and comfortable feeling for a swim or lounging. Tucked deeply within the landscape we placed a fire-pit with a surrounding gathering area built primarily of reclaimed wood and stone to invite the entire family together, emphasized by its use in the winter months to enjoy the space. The end result is a beautiful landscape that balances extension of the architectural elegance of the residence and celebrates the natural beauty of Lake Washington. Our attention to detail and craftsmanship have excited our clients who are now living in their personal resource of tranquility and luxury. This represents the artistry and commitments to quality by Richard Hartlage Land Morphology where whatever the element that contributes to experience, has been carefully considered and thoughtfully designed in to living in the Pacific Northwest.