Tangletown Residence

Is it better to start fresh or honor the past? This was the central question as we began transforming this 1914 Seattle bungalow. Though the home was at a tipping point where a total rebuild seemed practical, the homeowners chose to preserve its spirit. The result is a residence that feels as though it has always belonged to the neighborhood.

To overcome the limitations of the original layout, we reimagined the core of the home. We replaced a restrictive, narrow staircase with a central quarter landing stair, opening up space for a spacious kitchen and a sun-drenched mudroom. To balance modern needs with historical character, we elevated the roofline with steep pitches and gable dormers, providing a generous third-floor attic and high-ceilinged bedrooms. Modern structural elements, like steel flitch plate beams, allowed for an open-plan main floor without losing the warmth of traditional millwork. Today, the original front porch and fireplace stand alongside new white oak and walnut finishes—a seamless blend of 1914 charm and contemporary livability.

CLIENT REVIEW:
We hired Bakken Design Build for a complete remodel of our 1910 Craftsman home in Wallingford. The goal was to convert a traditional craftsman second story into a fully functional second floor with three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and an office nook, create a wrap around staircase in a central location, and open up the main floor. We met two architects prior to Joel that told us it could not be done. Joel was amazing to work with from start to finish. He has a positive “can do” attitude, is easy to work with, and listened to our ideas in creating his design. His ultimate design was beautiful, light-filled, functional, and maintained the 1910 style with a more modern feel. We could not be happier with the end result. The subcontractors that he works with were equally kind and easy to work with. When unforeseen problems arose, as occurs in all complex remodels, Joel was easy to communicate with and responded quickly with new ideas. He presented budget conscious solutions that did not detract from his high esthetic standards. We highly recommend Joel Bakken and his team.

Photography: Jesse L. Young