Lake House [1974]

Gracing the cover of the January 1979 issue of House Beautiful, architect Robert G. Becker’s design at Lake Sammamish (dubbed ‘House of the Future’ by the publication) is a remarkable force of period detailing and experimentation. With a sunken lounge encased by an abundance of built-in joinery and accessed via a carpeted stairway, Becker’s design provides many parallels to that of other central living plans of the time. Much more uncommon, however, is his approach to structure: a set of multi-faceted steel portal frames provide connection to and elevation from ground, with intervals timber clad or glazed to allow light through.