This 5,000-square-foot family home is located on one of the last remaining view lots on Mercer Island. The site is steeply sloped and heavily wooded, with landmark trees that shaped every design decision, including the largest Japanese maple on the island, positioned directly in front of the house, along with mature cedars and Douglas firs. The primary challenge was building carefully around the trees, managing access, and working with the topography. The opportunity was the view toward Lake Washington to the southeast.

One key move was rethinking the garage. To protect the Japanese maple’s root zone, the footprint was narrowed and a car lift was introduced, allowing three vehicles to fit within a space typically designed for two.

Entry occurs at the main level, where the house is organized around a double-height library with a freestanding fireplace. This central space brings light deep into the home and reflects the owners’ love of books. The library acts as the anchor, connecting all levels visually and spatially.

The lower level contains the children’s bedrooms, with the library volume rising above. The upper level holds the primary suite and an office. A southeast-facing outdoor terrace captures views of the lake and the horizon beyond.

The design carefully balances preservation and opportunity. Landmark trees remain untouched, the slope is worked with rather than reshaped, and views are captured without dominating the approach. The result is a home that feels settled into its site, not imposed on it.