On the shore of Lake Washington in northeast Seattle a string of tightly-packed houses lies sandwiched between the Burke-Gilman Trail to the west and the lake to the east. Like most of its neighbors the original house on this lot was built before the current shoreline requirements went into effect and it extends well into the shoreline setback. Only subtractions were allowed to that portion of the house. Previous renovations had consumed most of the remaining allowable lot coverage, so the only possible addition was a dormer facing west.

The former owners of the Y House wanted to downsize their living space but to maintain the most cherished characteristics of their previous residence. The transformation includes the removal of a massive brick fireplace between the living and dining areas and an entirely new roof structure that maintains the profile of the original roof. Steel beams are inserted in strategic locations to open the interior and to create expansive openings between the house and patio. Reversing the stairs to the upper floor affords an uninterrupted view of Lake Washington from the office and primary bedroom. The dormer addition provides space for a new primary bathroom and a sheltered entry porch below.

The 14-foot tall fiberglass giraffe that once graced the expansive lawn of the Y House has less room to roam now, but it certainly gets more attention from passersby on the Burke-Gilman Trail.