Bellevue Home Addition

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Location: Bellevue, WA

Area: 3,785 SF

Architect: Refine Design Architecture

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This remodel and addition project in Bellevue, WA thoughtfully reimagines a well-loved family home to better serve its owners’ evolving needs while creating striking new architectural moments. At the heart of the design is a new central foyer volume that establishes a clear hierarchy within the home’s massing. As the tallest and most vertically expressive element of the structure, this foyer acts as both a literal and figurative entry point, welcoming guests and family alike with its generous scale and light-filled openness.

One of the defining features of the foyer is the suspended stair catwalk that spans the volume. Floating wooden treads and slender steel supports give the stair a sculptural quality, while maintaining a sense of transparency and openness. This stair leads to a distinctive “jewel box” perch on the second story—a small, glassy retreat that offers views over the property and functions as a quiet reading nook, office, or meditation space. The double-height glazing and open connection between levels make this space feel both connected and tucked away, a perfect complement to the foyer’s lively character.

The owners approached this project with both present and future family life in mind. A key goal was to reorganize the bedroom layout on the main floor, ensuring flexibility for future children while improving privacy and flow. Existing bedrooms were repositioned and resized, and thoughtful storage solutions were integrated to keep the spaces efficient and uncluttered.

Additionally, the lower level of the home—which previously lacked cohesion—was reimagined to include a dedicated play area for the family’s young children. Carving out this space involved selective excavation and reworking of existing walls to provide a bright, safe, and adaptable zone where the kids can grow and explore. The updated lower level now better connects to the outdoors and is visually linked to the upper floors through the open stairwell, creating a sense of continuity throughout the home.

Overall, this project balances architectural expression with practical family needs. The new entry volume and jewel box perch offer moments of drama and lightness, while the reorganized living spaces ensure the home will comfortably support the family for years to come. It’s a thoughtful transformation that blends modern interventions with warm, natural materials to create a space that feels both contemporary and timeless.