A Primary Suite Designed for Aging in Place

Our CAPS design team specified universal design elements throughout the home, to allow the couple and their 120-lb. pit bull terrier to age in place. A new residential elevator was added to the west side of the home. Placing the elevator shaft on the exterior of the home minimized the need for interior structural changes.

A shed roof for the addition followed the slope of the site, creating tall walls on the east side of the primary suite to allow ample daylight into rooms without sacrificing useable wall space in the closet or bathroom. This kept the western walls low to reduce the amount of direct sunlight from the late afternoon sun, while maximizing the view of Puget Sound and the distant Olympic mountain range.

The primary suite is the crowning glory of the redesigned home. The bedroom puts the bed up close to the wide picture window, while soothing violet-colored walls and a plush upholstered headboard have created a bedroom that encourages lounging, including a plush dog bed. A private balcony provides yet another excuse for never leaving the bedroom suite, and clerestory windows between the bedroom and adjacent primary bathroom help flood the entire space with natural light.

The primary bathroom includes an easy-access shower, his-and-her vanities with motion-sensor toe kick lights, and pops of beachy blue in the tile work and on the ceiling for a spa-like feel.

Some other universal design features in this primary suite include wider doorways, an accessible balcony, wall-mounted vanities, tile and vinyl floor surfaces to reduce transitions, and pocket doors for easy use.

A large walk-through closet links the bedroom and bathroom, with clerestory windows at the high ceilings. The third floor is finished off with a vestibule area with an indoor sauna and an adjacent entertainment deck with an outdoor kitchen and bar.