Influenced by "mid century modern" architecture, this two level home is situated on a bluff in the Houghton neighborhood of Kirkland, an area of older homes that in recent years has experienced a re-birth of newer larger homes. The major design concept is organizing the living areas around a two story sky-lit atrium that connects to an exterior entry courtyard with water feature. The great room includes a two story wall of glass opening onto a large terrace that orients to an un-obstructed view of Lake Washington, Seattle and the Olympics beyond. Although the home is decidedly contemporary to satisfy the architect/owner's modernist affinity, care was taken to utilize traditional northwest materials and warm colors to meet his wife's desire for a "softer" more traditional feel.