## 2025 Seattle’s Mt Baker: A Mansion of Transformation
The arrival of the “Lil Shingle” mansion in Mt Baker, a neighborhood along Lake Washington, was a bold and welcome departure from the familiar. This project, a collaboration between Best Practice Architecture and a dedicated team of local professionals, was more than just a house; it was a testament to the power of thoughtful design and the enduring spirit of a family.
The house, a 1950s-era mansion, was built with a unique blend of old and new. Its dilapidated structure, a nickname for the 1950s house in Seattle’s Mt Baker neighbourhood, was transformed into a charming “multigenerational home base.” The house was purchased by a newly retired mother with three adult daughters, who envisioned a “warm and welcoming space” with a strong connection to the outdoors.
The project was a journey of adaptation and refinement. The architects, with their expertise in structural engineering and landscape design, worked closely with the owner to ensure the house’s longevity and appeal. They carefully considered the existing architecture, incorporating the original features while adapting them to the new aesthetic.
The house’s design was a carefully crafted blend of classic elements and modern sensibilities. The main living area was a cozy, slightly oversized space with a vaulted ceiling and a series of skylights. The kitchen, a central hub for daily life, was modernized with a large island, a custom-built stone countertop, and a large, sunny window overlooking the lake.
The basement, a valuable asset, was transformed into an accessory dwelling unit (ADU). This space provided a versatile area for multiple generations to live, with a den, kitchenette, bathroom, laundry room, and gym. The basement was designed to be a welcoming and functional space, offering a tranquil retreat for entertaining or relaxing.
The living room, a focal point of the home, was reimagined with a vaulted ceiling, a fireplace with a glazed-brick surround, and a large, outdoor deck. The primary bedroom, a spacious and comfortable space with a bathroom wrapped in blue tile, was also renovated with a closet, white oak cabinetry, and an adjoining laundry area.
The basement, as an accessory dwelling unit, was dedicated to two bedrooms, a den, a kitchenette, a bathroom, a laundry room and a gym. The lower level, which served as an ADU, offered a more independent and adaptable space for multi-generational living or future rental income.
The photography was a key element of the project, and Rafael Soldi Photography was the team’s partner. The house was meticulously landscaped with custom stained-glass windows, designed by the owner’s youngest daughter and her partner, creating a vibrant and inviting atmosphere.
The project was a testament to the collaborative spirit of Best Practice Architecture and the dedication of the local team. It was a harmonious blend of old and new, reflecting the unique character of Mt Baker and the enduring spirit of the community. The “Lil Shingle” mansion was more than just a house; it was a symbol of the power of thoughtful design and the enduring legacy of a family.
A retired mother enlisted the help of her daughter, a principal at Best Practice Architecture, to convert a neglected home into a wooden shingle-clad “multigenerational home base” with a basement level that can serve as its own apartment.
The house, called Lil Shingle, involved the renovation of a 1950s house in Seattle’s Mt Baker neighbourhood, which lies along Lake Washington.
Built into a sloped site, the two-storey house was in poor condition and was nicknamed Slanty Shanty by its former owners.
The house was purchased by a newly retired mother with three adult daughters, who desired a modest home with dedicated space for visitors. She envisioned a “warm and welcoming space” with a strong connection to the outdoors.
To fulfil her vision, she turned to local studio Best Practice Architecture, where her middle daughter is a principal. Her other two daughters – both of whom work in creative fields – also contributed to the design, making the project “a true family affair”.
At first, Best Practice did not envision a full overhaul of the house.
It had served as a rental property for decades, with its upper level holding an apartment and garage, and its basement level containing another apartment and garage.
The architects’ initial design called for “a few big moves and a handful of small, strategic layout changes”.
But soon after construction work began, the team discovered significant problems.
“The project team found the wall framing, floor framing and roof structure were failing, leaving only the existing basement foundation walls to be salvaged,” the studio said.
While the house needed to be rebuilt, the architects opted to stick with their original design scheme, meaning that many of the original elements were retained.
“Though effectively an entirely new house, traces of the old remain, including the footprint, the roof pitch, the overall layout, and most of the existing window and door openings,” the team said.
”Best Practice and the owner prioritised strategic structural changes, preserving the idiosyncrasies that made the house special.”
The 2,617-square-foot (243-square-metre) house is mostly rectangular in plan. The existing concrete foundation was preserved, and the wood framing was reconstructed.
Facades – originally covered in brick and basic siding – were re-clad with scalloped cedar shingles, which create “a friendly expression that befits the small home”.
Doors are a rich shade of baby blue, adding a dash of colour to the exterior.
On the ground level, the team added a small volume – a 52-square-foot (4.8-square-metre) mud room, which forms a “practical buffer at the entry for coats and muddy boots”.
“The goal of the project was never to maximise lot coverage or square footage, but to thoughtfully enhance what was already there, embracing the unique charm of the original 1950s home,” the team said.
The most significant change to the interior layout involved relocating the staircase, which formerly bisected the home. The staircase was rotated 90 degrees and moved to the southern end of the dwelling, which opened up the public zone and enhanced “flow and connectivity”.
In addition to the mud room, the ground level holds the public area and the primary bedroom suite.
The living room sits under a vaulted ceiling, punctured with a series of skylights. A fireplace with a glazed-brick surround in seafoam green serves as a focal point of the space.
Large sliding glass doors open onto a deck, where the occupants can enjoy indoor-outdoor living and take in views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains.
The primary bedroom features a bathroom wrapped in blue tile, an open closet with white oak cabinetry, and an adjoining laundry area.
The basement level – which functions as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) – encompasses two bedrooms, a den, a kitchenette, a bathroom, a laundry room and a gym.
“While connected through the new staircase, the lower level can be accessed separately to accommodate multi-generational living or future rental income,” the team said.
The furnishings and art were curated by Best Practice and the client’s eldest daughter, who is a photographer. It also features custom stained-glass windows designed by the owner’s youngest daughter and her partner.
“A true family collaboration, the house serves as a multigenerational home base that honours its past and embraces a new chapter of family gatherings and lifelong memories,” the team said.
Other projects by Best Practice include a weekend retreat for an artist in rural Washington and a quaint dwelling in Seattle that was adapted from a former houseboat.
The photography is by Rafael Soldi Photography.
**Project credits:**
**Architect:** Best Practice Architecture\
**Contractor:** Bellan Construction\
**Engineer:** Smith Lubke Structural Design\
**Landscape design:** Cambium Landscape\
**Cabinets:** Shopworks\
**Stained glass:** Unique Art Glass
A retired mother enlisted the help of her daughter, a principal at Best Practice Architecture, to convert a neglected home into a wooden shingle-clad “multigenerational home base” with a basement level that can serve as its own apartment.
The house, called Lil Shingle, involved the renovation of a 1950s house in Seattle’s Mt Baker neighbourhood, which lies along Lake Washington.
Built into a sloped site, the two-storey house was in poor condition and was nicknamed Slanty Shanty by its former owners.
The house was purchased by a newly retired mother with three adult daughters, who desired a modest home with dedicated space for visitors. She envisioned a “warm and welcoming space” with a strong connection to the outdoors.
To fulfil her vision, she turned to local studio Best Practice Architecture, where her middle daughter is a principal. Her other two daughters – both of whom work in creative fields – also contributed to the design, making the project “a true family affair”.
At first, Best Practice did not envision a full overhaul of the house.
It had served as a rental property for decades, with its upper level holding an apartment and garage, and its basement level containing another apartment and garage.
The architects’ initial design called for “a few big moves and a handful of small, strategic layout changes”.
But soon after construction work began, the team discovered significant problems.
“The project team found the wall framing, floor framing and roof structure were failing, leaving only the existing basement foundation walls to be salvaged,” the studio said.
While the house needed to be rebuilt, the architects opted to stick with their original design scheme, meaning that many of the original elements were retained.
“Though effectively an entirely new house, traces of the old remain, including the footprint, the roof pitch, the overall layout, and most of the existing window and door openings,” the team said.
“Best Practice and the owner prioritised strategic structural changes, preserving the idiosyncrasies that made the house special.”
The 2,617-square-foot (243-square-metre) house is mostly rectangular in plan. The existing concrete foundation was preserved, and the wood framing was reconstructed.
Facades – originally covered in brick and basic siding – were re-clad with scalloped cedar shingles, which create “a friendly expression that befits the small home”.
Doors are a rich shade of baby blue, adding a dash of colour to the exterior.
On the ground level, the team added a small volume – a 52-square-foot (4.8-square-metre) mud room, which forms a “practical buffer at the entry for coats and muddy boots”.
“The goal of the project was never to maximise lot coverage or square footage, but to thoughtfully enhance what was already there, embracing the unique charm of the original 1950s home,” the team said.
The most significant change to the interior layout involved relocating the staircase, which formerly bisected the home. The staircase was rotated 90 degrees and moved to the southern end of the dwelling, which opened up the public zone and enhanced “flow and connectivity”.
In addition to the mud room, the ground level holds the public area and the primary bedroom suite.
The living room sits under a vaulted ceiling, punctured with a series of skylights. A fireplace with a glazed-brick surround in seafoam green serves as a focal point of the space.
Large sliding glass doors open onto a deck, where the occupants can enjoy indoor-outdoor living and take in views of Lake Washington and the Cascade Mountains.
The primary bedroom features a bathroom wrapped in blue tile, an open closet with white oak cabinetry, and an adjoining laundry area.
The basement level – which functions as an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) – encompasses two bedrooms, a den, a kitchenette, a bathroom, a laundry room and a gym.
“While connected through the new staircase, the lower level can be accessed separately to accommodate multi-generational living or future rental income,” the team said.
The furnishings and art were curated by Best Practice and the client’s eldest daughter, who is a photographer. It also features custom stained-glass windows designed by the owner’s youngest daughter and her partner.
“A true family collaboration, the house serves as a multigenerational home base that honours its past and embraces a new chapter of family gatherings and lifelong memories,” the team said.
Other projects by Best Practice include a weekend retreat for an artist in rural Washington and a quaint dwelling in Seattle that was adapted from a former houseboat.
The photography is by Rafael Soldi Photography.
Project credits:
Architect: Best Practice Architecture
Contractor: Bellan Construction
Engineer: Smith Lubke Structural Design
Landscape design: Cambium Landscape
Cabinets: Shopworks
Stained glass: Unique Art Glass
