- Interior
The Alden Mason House, designed in 1958 by architect Charles A. Marsh Jr. and built by Tom Paulsen, is a true Northwest Mid-Century Modern retreat, situated like a treehouse amidst the woods. Peacefully situated next to a babbling brook near Lake Washington, it seems almost unreal that this oasis is within Seattle's city limits. The house reflects Alden Mason's deep admiration for nature, embraced by the serene ambiance of its surroundings.
Inside, visitors are welcomed by the interplay of light filtering through the trees, the soothing melody of stream water and the gentle rustle of leaves. After the death of Alden Mason in 2013, the house was acquired by a new couple, who immediately fell in love with this Mid-Century masterpiece. However, like many houses of the era, it faced challenges: cold winters and a compact kitchen and bathrooms. The house desperately needed a modern touch to meet the needs of a contemporary family. 
The owners wanted to preserve the original character, which led to an approach that resembled a historic restoration. They honoured and celebrated the essence of the house, listening to its history and imagining what it would need in the future.
A charming path along the stream leads to the house and serves as the perfect transition from the outside world to the warmth of home. Upon opening the front door, the striking open staircase extends a welcoming gesture. The original foyer lacked storage space, a challenge for this family of four. To solve this, they seamlessly integrated shoe cabinets and a wardrobe into the original walls, using materials that complemented the original design.
Adjacent to the entrance are an office on the west side and a music room on the east side, spaces that once served as the artist's painting studios. Although the art form has evolved, these rooms remain creative studios-a contemporary tribute to the artist's legacy. While removing the laminate floor in these studios, they discovered paint stains on the concrete floor, which offered a reflective moment.
It seems almost unreal that this oasis is within Seattle's city limits
Climbing the stairs takes them to the main floor, where an upstairs skylight offers plenty of natural light. The presence of a wall sculpture by Alden Mason artistically greets them. Through the windows, views of abundant trees and the gentle sound of water provide an enchanting backdrop for this beautiful artwork. The living room is central, harmonising a close connection with the outside world, the presence of the artist's artwork, a steel fireplace, and modern furniture in a beautiful and timeless space.
The kitchen underwent a complete transformation, aiming for timelessness, elegance and functionality. Taking into account the different types of wood already present in the house, they chose a combination of walnut and white laminate for the new cabinets. This choice seamlessly connects the kitchen to the rest of the house and maintains a bright and elegant atmosphere.
All three bathrooms received thoughtful updates. The master bathroom was expanded, with a new shower under the existing skylight, once reserved for a master closet. Dark tiles were selected for a serene and dramatic ambience, complemented by the sheen of brushed bronze showerheads and taps. New cabinets were added throughout the house, respecting the original character in both style and choice of materials. 
Ensuring the comfort of this 65-year-old Mid-Century house was a primary goal. Within the available budget, the focus was on increasing warmth during winter. They introduced hydraulic underfloor heating on the main floor and installed wall heaters on the ground floor. The addition of this new underfloor heating, HRV (Heat Recovery Ventilation) and roof insulation significantly improved the thermal performance of the house.
The Alden Mason House is a timeless gem that only gets more fascinating with age. The house retains its beauty and depth, with a unique character only made stronger by the interplay of light and shade, and the rich aromas of wood. 
Photography by Kevin Scott
Text by Celien Hemelaer