an interior remodel redefines the way this 1962 home lives

Perched above The Sound, Tesseract unfolds as a study in geometry and light. The remodel honors the clarity of the original mid-century structure, preserving its broad horizon of glass and view, while reimagining the spaces within. Walls that once divided are opened, allowing volumes to flow, to bend, to fold into one another. Planes of material fold across walls and ceilings, wrap casework and countertop, like ribbons invoking movement through space. Materials shift from smooth to tactile — lightly finished walls meet wood and Richlite in soft contrast. Beneath it all radiant floors work quietly, warming a home that feels both renewed and familiar. Tesseract transforms the act of dwelling into an unfolding experience of space made dynamic, precise, and alive.

Tesseract 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: 2021
Project Location: Seattle, WA
Square Footage: 4,300
Structural Engineer: Harriott Valentine Engineers
Contractor: Ainslie Davis Construction
Photographer: Rafael Soldi
Construction Photos: Alex Fraser, Courtesy of Johnston Architects

View of a port with three large cruise ships docked, city skyline in the background, and a bridge in the foreground.

A modern library room with a black round table, beige upholstered chairs, wooden shelving units filled with books, and a black and wooden sideboard with glassware.

Modern living room with large windows overlooking trees, a mounted flat-screen TV above a fireplace, a bookshelf filled with books, a boy sitting on a tan armchair with a laptop, a dog sitting near the window, and a round coffee table with decorative cones.

Living room with large windows overlooking water, a woman standing by the open door, a man sitting on a sofa reading a book, and a dog resting on the sofa. Modern decor with wooden and concrete elements.

Interior of a room with wooden built-in seating spaces, a vanity with a mirror, a black cushioned stool, and decorative items including plant and bottles.

Modern bedroom with wooden paneled walls, white bed with black and gray pillows, and two white nightstands with books and small potted plants.

Modern dining area with wooden table and black chairs, white ceramic planters on a wooden sideboard, large windows showing a city skyline and waterfront, with two people seated on a balcony in the background.

Modern bathroom with large window, white bathtub, wooden floor and vanity, gray towel, and walk-in shower.

A man and woman smiling at each other at the entrance of their modern home, with a black and tan dog standing in front of them. The house has large glass windows, stone wall accents, and a small garden with green plants.

Living room with large windows showcasing city and river view, cream sofa with colorful pillows, two green chairs, glass coffee table, dining area with chandelier.

Living room with a white sectional sofa, orange and beige pillows, a glass-top coffee table, and a beige accent chair. A large abstract painting hangs above the sofa. There is a standing lamp next to the sofa. In the background, a dining area with a

Living room with a white sectional sofa, lime green chairs, a modern abstract painting, a black lamp, and a view of a staircase leading outside. Hardwood floors and track lighting above.

Open-concept living space with a kitchen, a seating area with a brown leather sofa and a Canary-style chair, a fireplace on the wall, a dining area with a black table and chairs, and a large floor-to-ceiling glass wall with a view of a city skyline a

Open-concept kitchen with black granite countertops, wooden cabinets, and panoramic water views through large glass windows and sliding door leading to a balcony.

Living room with large windows offering a view of water and distant mountains, black leather sofas, a beige rug, glass coffee table, fireplace with artwork above, and a potted plant.

A spacious bedroom with a large bed, two nightstands with lamps, black wicker chairs, a glass-top table with a floral vase, and neutral-colored walls and carpet.

Bathroom with black marble walls, a sunk hot tub, a glass-enclosed shower, white cabinet vanity with a kidney-shaped black sink, large windows showing a city view, and a plush rug on the tiled floor.

Empty walk-in closet with built-in shelves and brown wooden trim, leading to a sunlit bedroom area with beige carpet and white furniture.