a home that breaks shear volume down into a series of spatial experiences

In the dense fabric of Capitol Hill, Straight Residence stands as a quiet counterpoint to the rhythm of the city. Its form rises vertically, shaped by by the pull of light and the sky above. Inside, a central stair anchors the home — a sculptural thread of steel and wood that ties together tall, airy volumes smaller, more intimate spaces. The architecture creates refuge without retreat, filtering the sounds of the street while keeping the pulse of the city within sight. Materials are chosen for honesty and balance: concrete at its base for strength, warm wood above for softness and light. Ceilings are dropped thoughtfully in places, creating pauses — moments of calm suspended within the openness of larger volumes. At the rooftop terrace the home opens gain to the sky, reconnecting to the landscape of the city.

Straight Residence is a Johnston Architects project, for which Alex Fraser served as Project Architect. He worked closely with owners and contractor, managing the project from initial phases of design through construction.

Project Completion: 2019
Project Location: Seattle, WA
Square Footage: 3,600
Structural Engineer: CT Engineering
Contractor: Polygon Homess
Photographer: Lara Swimmer
Construction Photos: Alex Fraser, Courtesy of Johnston Architects

Architectural section drawing of a multi-story building with a garage and outdoor stairs, showing interior spaces and structural elements, with trees and street in background.

Modern residential building with wooden and concrete exterior, large windows, a gated driveway, surrounded by greenery and a wooden fence, under partly cloudy sky with a person walking on the rooftop.

Modern multi-story house with wood and concrete exterior, large windows with black frames, and a small front garden with potted plants and a wooden fence.

Interior view of a modern home with a black metal staircase featuring wooden steps, a yellow armchair, and a person entering through a wooden door.

A person moving upstairs on a modern staircase with wooden steps and black metal railings inside a house with large windows and white walls.

Open concept living room and kitchen with large windows, white walls, a white sectional sofa with pillows, a wooden coffee table, blue rug, and a woman sitting outside in a backyard with a wooden fence.

Woman in black sleeveless top preparing food in modern kitchen with white marble island, wooden ceiling, open shelving with plants, books, and dishware, stainless steel range hood, and large sliding glass door to outside.

Bright dining room with large windows, wooden ceiling, and a wooden dining table with multiple chairs. Potted plants on and around the table, and three large hanging black pendant lights above. Natural sunlight illuminates the space.

Modern interior with a black metal staircase, large windows, a unique black and gold chandelier, and a woman walking on a wooden floor.

Modern bathroom with large windows, a freestanding bathtub, double vanity with oval sinks, and a large mirror, with greenery visible outside.

Interior view of a modern multi-story home with open staircase, wooden flooring, large windows, a hanging gold chandelier, and a woman walking in the background.

Construction site with building foundation and wooden framing in progress, residential houses and trees in the background, partly cloudy sky

Wooden frame of a house under construction with vertical and horizontal beams, set on a concrete foundation, with some construction supports and a drainage pipe visible.

Construction site with wooden framing for a building, supporting beams, and scattered building materials, with houses, trees, and power poles in the background.

Interior view of a building under construction with exposed wooden framing, partial siding, and a view of parked cars, trees, and power lines outside.

Interior view of a house under construction with exposed wooden framework and partial flooring, with a view of the street outside through the open front.

Construction site with wooden framing for a house, a ladder, and construction materials scattered on the ground, under a partly cloudy sky.

View from a residential construction site showing wooden framing and a view of trees, houses, and a cloudy sky outside.

Construction site with wooden framing, a metal support pole, scaffolding, and a ladder, indicating early stage of building a structure.

Wooden house under construction with framing and plywood siding, ladder leaning against the side, construction signs, and a cloudy sky

View of a house under construction showing wooden framing and scaffolding, with a neighboring house and trees in the background.

Interior view of a house under construction with wooden framing, open window spaces, and a sky visible through the openings.

Wooden frame construction of a building in progress, with visible beams and supports, on a sunny day with partly cloudy sky.

Construction workers assembling a metal staircase inside a wooden structure, with sparks flying from welding.

Construction workers welding a metal staircase framework inside a building under construction.

Two workers are installing or working on a metal staircase inside a building under construction, with wooden framing on the walls.

Interior of a house under construction with exposed wooden framing, staircase with metal railings, and large windows letting in natural light.

Interior of a house under construction, viewed from the top of a staircase, showing unfinished walls, a yellow ladder, and construction materials.

Interior of a house under construction, showing unfinished walls, stairs, and large windows with a view of a residential neighborhood outside.

Interior of a house under construction showing stairs, ladders, and unfinished walls.

Interior view of a building under construction, featuring a black metal staircase with wooden steps, surrounded by scaffolding, with several windows allowing natural light.

Interior of a building under construction with unfinished drywall, construction materials, and large windows showing trees and a street outside.

Construction site of a modern multi-story building with black metal siding, large windows, and ongoing exterior work, with a man standing nearby observing.

Under construction multi-story house with black siding and unfinished exterior, located along a street with parked cars and neighboring houses.

Interior view of a staircase under construction in a building with multiple floors and large windows.

Interior of a house under construction with a man standing near a workspace, unfinished floors, and large glass windows revealing a street outside.

Interior view of a room under construction with large windows, a wooden ceiling, and plastic coverings on the lower walls for protection.

Construction site of a modern multi-story house with wood and concrete exterior, workers, ladders, and construction materials.

A modern multi-story house under construction with a mix of wood and black exterior panels, large windows, and a vehicle parked on the street in front.