Daring Dormers Breathe New Life into a Derelict 1930s Farmhouse

Sarah Akkoush
·2 min read

Old meets new in this transformed brick farmhouse in Silverdale, Washington.

On two acres of waterfront farmland in rural Washington, a 1930s farmhouse piqued the interest of a couple who had lived in a rural part of the Kitsap Peninsula for years. Overlooking the Dyes Inlet, a brick home was somewhat of an anomaly in the region—and it was this rarity that made the couple realize the home was something special.

With two small windows infilled, and the others replaced, the home’s east facade preserves the spirit of the original farmhouse. An exaggerated roof overhang to the south shelters the back porch.
With two small windows infilled, and the others replaced, the home’s east facade preserves the spirit of the original farmhouse. An exaggerated roof overhang to the south shelters the back porch.

Attracted to the home’s charm and uniqueness, the couple decided to renovate the rare jewel instead of tearing it down. Engaging Seattle-based SHED Architecture & Design, they quickly realized that the 2,182-square-foot farmhouse was not large enough to comfortably accommodate their lifestyle or frequent visits from extended family. Together with SHED, it was decided that the historic brick structure would be revitalized as a guest house, while a new primary residence would be built for the couple.

On the home’s east facade, a steel canopy protects the reoriented entry.
On the home’s east facade, a steel canopy protects the reoriented entry.

SHED’s strategic approach was to preserve the roof’s pitch, along with the east and west facades—while completely reworking the south facade to take full advantage of Dyes Inlet water views. Integral to the refreshed look was the incorporation of new and replacement windows from Andersen Windows & Doors—a frequent go-to for the SHED team in their historic brick remodels.

Overlooking the farmhouse orchard and garden, a new dormer at the home’s north facade incorporates windows for the primary bathroom and hall on the upper level.
Overlooking the farmhouse orchard and garden, a new dormer at the home’s north facade incorporates windows for the primary bathroom and hall on the upper level.

See the full story on Dwell.com: Daring Dormers Breathe New Life into a Derelict 1930s Farmhouse
Related stories: