PNW ARCHITECT DESIGNS CUSTOM MODERN-INSPIRED HOME WITH UNIQUE TOUCHES
Brooke Hubbard
One of the greatest forms of creativity is building something from nothing. Artistry comes from building that something with an intuitive sense of the way it will integrate into the world around it. Craft comes from the understanding of how this something will be used. All of these elements come together in the latest home design and build project by David Pool, founder and principal of his eponymous architecture firm. It isn’t often that we get the opportunity to talk in-depth with the designer and builder of a modern-style home, but today, we were lucky enough to find this in David and his recently completed 5511 Sealawn Ave NE home in Tacoma, Washington.
David started his career over 20 years ago and has since worked at a variety of Portland, Seattle, and Tacoma architecture and design firms, including working as the Design Principal at BLRB architects for ten years. After years in the business, working on well-known projects such as the Garfield High School remodel in Seattle, the LEED Platinum Pacific Plaza remodel in Tacoma (where the new Spaghetti Factory is now located), and many others, David was looking for something with room to grow and experiment with his style and talent. That’s where custom home design and build fit in.
A perfect opportunity to create a unique place for unique individuals looking for something special, custom home design is a new project every time. David pulls not only from his background, design expertise, and the requests of the client, but also from the natural environment that each unique project site presents itself. The way a home integrates into the environment is just as key to the artistry of the home as the design itself.
His most recent project, the Sealawn residence in Tacoma, is a perfect example of his ease of designing a home that is seamlessly integrated within its natural setting fully capturing each unique character of a project site. Every step of the way, David considered the stunning surrounding views of the Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and the city. The home is filled with spacious rooms and large windows throughout providing abundant natural light and views connecting to the outside. The home sits on a 25% grade, a challenge for any architect, but with his experience and connections in the field, the grade became an asset to the home, providing it with an ideal platform that allowed the main level of the home to see the dynamic view over surrounding neighboring homes roofs without blocking the neighboring home around and behind it.
Designing this home was an opportunity for David to take a few risks and stretch his personal style. Known for his stunning NW contemporary home designs for clients that incorporates their wish lists, the Sealawn home was completely open to his inspiration. Using the home as an opportunity to select materials throughout and design a Modern.
Using the home as an opportunity to show another side of his architectural design ability, the home was designed in a modern style to accentuate an architecture that was simple yet refined with clean lines. From the interior to the exterior he selected all of the colors and materials throughout the home.
The home has a flat parapet roof that is a perfect choice for this home, enabling David to add height to the home without blocking the views of the neighbors. The siding is a tongue and groove tight knot cedar that is pre-finished in the factory and stained on all sides of the board, giving the home a completed look as soon as it is installed.
One of the most interesting design elements of the home is the fact that it is conceptually two homes pulled apart and then re-connected by the centerpiece stairs. When you enter the home through the main entry doors, you can instantly see the design concept come alive as the exterior siding continues on the interior of the two houses. Still, the “two” homes are connected visually with a stairwell and it’s lowered white ceiling, creating a sense of togetherness even in their separation.
From there, one can walk through into the great room, an open concept design that encompasses the kitchen, living room, and dining room with 10-foot ceilings and, of course, a dynamic view out towards the water. In fact, the room is built with stunning surrounding windows creating 36-feet tall by 8 feet tall of unencumbered views. The kitchen is designed with the guests in mind, offering them a seat at the island centerpiece while admiring the ferries as they float by or watching in awe as the eagles soar across the backdrop. At the end of the night, the hosts can retire to their master bedroom, designed for the bed to be facing the windows where they can watch the sunset paint the sky, “art in process” as David calls it. Every day the view has something different and magnificent to present. A masterpiece the homeowners will never tire of admiring.
The home is built to be luxury, and the design resonates with that vision. From the finishes to the cabinetry to the railings, everything is custom. More powerful, perhaps, is the unique care and love that was put into the home by David. Being on site as the architect, builder, and general contractor has enabled him to not only see the design come to live, but to also put some of his own life into the home, taking on some of the work for the home himself. Being there to watch the details come together day in and day out paid off, stunning details flow throughout the home.
ABOUT DAVID POOL
Principal and founded David Pool Architecture Pllc in 2015.
David graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1993.
David earned his Architect’s license for the state of Oregon in 2000, and Washington 2002.
David has worked for a number Portland, Seattle and Tacoma Architecture Design firms. Most notably, he was a Design Principal with BLRB Architects for ten years.
David is a member of The American Institute of Architects.
David brings over twenty-six years of experience that clients can trust.
ABOUT THE HOME
This NEW Custom architecturally designed NW Contemporary home has sweeping views of Puget Sound, Olympics and Tacoma. Meticulous attention to detail when selecting finishes! This inspiring home lives open and bright. Tight knot western red cedar pre-finished siding, specially engineered railings, Leviton wifi & controllable lighting, Cat-5 wiring, handmade cabinetry and trim, professional-grade appliances, Hansgrohe Fixtures, Anderson Fiberglass windows, 95% eff. furnace & heat pump ready. Amazing Home & Opportunity! Contact Heidi Ward and Jeff Jensen co lister? for a tour or more information.
5511 Sealawn Ave NE, Tacoma, WA 98422
Listed at: $1,495,000
4 Bed | 3 Bath | 6,730 SQFT
MLS # 1496118
