Modern industrial house in Seattle by RHO Architects combines raw steel aesthetics with innovative residential design

Redefining industrial lifestyle: combining form, function and hobby

At the heart of the historic Seward Park neighborhood in Seattle, Replinger Hossner Osolin Architects (RHO Architects) created a unique residential project that challenges the boundary between home comfort and industrial functionality. The modern industrial house is not just a dwelling, but a living creative sanctuary for the 'ultra-hobbyist' who combines a private home with a fully equipped metalworking workshop.

This bold architectural project uses raw materials, expressive structural elements, and spatial planning tailored to creative pursuits. Limited in cladding by brick and stone, the house conceals a dramatic and unexpected interior that unfolds through steel, concrete and natural light.

Industrial architecture and residential purpose

The centerpiece of the house is a two-story central workspace, filled with natural light thanks to extensive skylights and industrial-style windows. Designed for versatility, this area accommodates a wide range of metalworking tasks while maintaining visual connection to surrounding living zones. The result is a dynamic interior where living, working and creativity coexist in harmony.

The architectural language is uncompromisingly industrial: exposed steel beams, architectural concrete and structural precision define the artistic character. However, the house retains a sense of warmth and purpose, with individual furniture design and carefully thought-out transitions between spaces contributing to its gentle impression.

Loft-style housing surrounded by creativity

Differing from traditional homes, the living spaces in this house are secondary to the workspace. The loft-style living area surrounds the workshop volume, allowing residents to observe the creative center from various perspectives. This ensures a constant connection between creativity and everyday life.

The interiors were designed by Maryika Byskinewicz Spaces with a similarly bold and unique concept. One notable element is the work-shelf, where epoxy casting continues onto the shelf. Other items, such as a dining table made from actual bike frame tubes, speak to the client's unique passion and the functional aesthetics of the home.

Architectural balance: expression and context

Despite its industrial foundation, the house respects residential scale. It is anchored to the lot with one of the workshops entirely located underground. This not only improves privacy and acoustic isolation but also provides level access to the workshop from the street, preserving a peaceful garden at the back of the house.

Externally, soft brick and stone colors make the structure modest and respectful. Internally, expressive steel elements and concrete textures define the style, creating a home that is both practical and poetic.

Individual art and personal identity

A key feature of the project is the inclusion of individual artistic decoration, initiated by the client. Such integration of art into the architectural structure strengthens the concept of the house as a creative incubator — a place where personal identity and environment are closely intertwined.

Key features of the modern industrial house

• Two-story central workspace with skylights
• Loft-style living space surrounded by workshop
• Rough steel structural elements and architectural concrete
• Custom furniture design with artisanal craftsmanship
• Underground workshop for street access
• Private garden with upper access
• Hidden external aesthetic in brick and stone

Architectural unity in Seward Park, Seattle

This project by RHO Architects demonstrates that a home can be both a place of rest and continuous productivity. It challenges suburban architectural norms by placing the creative process at the center of residential life. Interiors were designed by Maryika Byskinewicz Spaces, and landscape work was done by GCH. The modern industrial house has become a benchmark for adaptive housing in dense historical development.