Though some Magnolia streets may look the same to outsiders-large well-kept home after even larger well-kept home-for architects and residents the neighborhood look is more like an onion, layered with architecture styles of all types and ages.
BUILD LLC, an industrious architecture company, based out of North Seattle at 5611 University Way N.E., recently identified Magnolia as "Better Known a Neighborhood"-a designation that indicates the architectural allure and charm of the neighborhood. "What fascinates us about Magnolia is it's very plural," said Andrew van Leeuwen, BUILD architect. "Every style, every movement is registered in Magnolia, which is really quite rare in terms of neighborhoods. They tend to be either traditional or modern; Magnolia is an awesome display of all the different layers of architecture."
Of all the neighborhoods BUILD works in, from Capitol Hill and the U-District to Shoreline and Queen Anne, Leeuwen said Magnolia residents take the most risks when designing their homes.
"Not only does it represent so many styles, those styles are so well maintained," van Leeuwen said. "It's almost a museum to architecture over there. Tudor, Victorian, Colonial and it has a very good representation of mid-century and postmodern styles too."
Though Magnolia may have a varied look, BUILD mostly focuses on mid-century modern architecture design in the neighborhood. Mid-century modern philosophy focuses on transparency by keeping site lines open. The rules include sticking to horizontal lines, keeping the house low to the ground so neighbors maintain views, allowing for large open spaces and maintaining simplicity.
Soon-to-be Magnolia resident, Mike Davidson, said he likes the mid-century modern philosophy because of the open spaces, shed roofs and the mix between old and new design sensibilities. BUILD started the design and construction on Davidson's home near Discovery Park last July; grass was laid just this past Monday and Davidson expects the home to move-in ready by May.
BUILD both designs and manages the construction process, which alleviates complications between architects and general contractors. But Davidson hired BUILD because he wanted a home that was unique yet fit with the neighborhood.
"Even though it's an original design, I also feel the house fits in well with the one next to me," Davidson said. "I really do not like Craftsman homes at all. I wanted essentially the opposite of a craftsman home and I think I got it."
The rooftop deck and the industrial staircase design are a couple of Davidson's favorite features. For van Leeuwen, the house will be another example of Magnolia's architectural flare.
"[The neighborhood] is plural, well-maintained. I'd throw handsome in the mix," van Leeuwen said. "It's unique in that it's odd for neighborhoods we work in to be so deliberate."
Where more traditionally styled neighborhoods, like Queen Anne, shy away from modern architecture elements, Magnolia has found a way to embrace new architecture forms while maintaining old-world charm.[[In-content Ad]]
