Alden Mason House

Seattle, Washington

The Alden Mason House, crafted for the renowned Seattle artist Alden Mason in 1958 by architect Charles A. Marsh Jr. and builder Tom Paulsen, stands as a true northwest mid-century modern retreat, nestled in the woods like a treehouse.

Quietly positioned next to a gentle creek in the woods near Lake Washington, it's almost surreal that this oasis is within the city limits of Seattle. A direct reflection of the artist's profound admiration for nature, the house is embraced by the serene ambiance of its surroundings. Inside, one is welcomed by the interplay of light filtering through trees, the soothing melody of creek water, the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze, and the dance of light and shadow through skylights throughout the day.

Acquired by the current owner after Alden Mason's passing in 2013, the couple instantly fell in love with this mid-century-modern masterpiece. Yet, like many homes of its era, it faced challenges—cold winters and compact kitchen and bathrooms. The house yearned for a modern touch to meet the needs of today's family.

As architects, our usual joy lies in creating something entirely new or transforming old structures into contemporary homes. However, this project was a departure from the norm. The house’s unique beauty deserved to be well preserved. The owners desired to maintain its original character, leading us to approach the project similar to a historical restoration. We honored and celebrated the house's essence, listening to its history and envisioning its future needs.