Lookout House Raised On Stilts Over An Alley

The Lookout is a house raised on stilts over the street and showing off a sheltered parking space

The Lookout is a house raised on stilts over the street and showing off a sheltered parking space

US architecture firm Hybrid has designed and built a compact house along a back alley in Seattle, which is partially lifted off the ground to make way for parking. Called The Lookout, it occupies the back of a narrow, sloped lot and faces an alley.

When the company purchased the 4,200-square-foot (390-square-metre) property, it decided to tear down an existing, single-family home and replace it with multiple residences, including The Lookout. Rather than completely fill the site with townhomes, the team opted to build an alleyway dwelling in the rear of the property. The front portion of the site features three connected townhouses all with matching dark cladding. Tucked between these townhomes is a small lawn with a mature cherry tree.

The timber-framed building is lifted above the ground via concrete pillars and a steel column to allow for parking underneath. Rectangular in plan, the elevated dwelling has exterior walls clad in white metal siding – a decision inspired by the site’s conditions. Inside, the home features an atypical floor plan, with the private areas on the first level and the public zone up above. The dwelling encompasses 1,040 square feet. On the first level, a bedroom and an office are separated by a tall wardrobe that rests on felt pads. If the homeowner prefers, the closet unit can be moved against a wall to create one large space. Other aspects of the home were also designed with adaptability in mind.

The Lookout’s finishes are simple and sturdy. The cooking area is fitted with flat-front cabinetry and counters topped with Richlite – a durable material made of resin-infused paper. Overall, the home is meant to exhibit a lightness and ease of movement not often associated with small spaces.

2 of 8
Here the car can be parked, and you may also see an inner courtyard with a tree

Here the car can be parked, and you may also see an inner courtyard with a tree

3 of 8
The open layout shows a kitchen, dining space and living room, there's much natural light and an airy feeling

The open layout shows a kitchen, dining space and living room, there's much natural light and an airy feeling

4 of 8
The living room is done with comfy furniture, a table on casters and a printed rug

The living room is done with comfy furniture, a table on casters and a printed rug

5 of 8
The kitchen is done in white, with black countertops and windows as backsplashes

The kitchen is done in white, with black countertops and windows as backsplashes

6 of 8
The storage is maximized and every inch of space is used

The storage is maximized and every inch of space is used

7 of 8
The workspace is done with sleek wardrobes, a vintage desk and a metal chair

The workspace is done with sleek wardrobes, a vintage desk and a metal chair

8 of 8
The bedroom is done in a monochromatic color scheme, printed textiles and a pretty artwork

The bedroom is done in a monochromatic color scheme, printed textiles and a pretty artwork

Source: dezeen