King County’s First Cottage Development

Rainier View Homes

A dense community of 4-Star Built Green, solar-ready, cottage homes.

Constructing the very first cottage development in King County was no easy task. The plan for Rainier View Homes started in 2005 but was abandoned by the developer in 2008 due to economic shifts. After the property was sold in 2016, the new owner reached out to refresh the design and make this cottage community a reality.

The original site permitted the construction of only five houses, but clever solutions allowed us to maximize the buildable area. By using King County’s Cottage Code – which allows for double density when designing small, cottage homes centered around a “village green” – we were able to develop 11 cottage units situated around a beautiful green space anchoring the community.

Neutral interiors, high ceilings, and contemporary kitchens feel fresh and spacious despite each home’s compact size. A bright pop of color and unique massing designs allow each cottage home to stand out while remaining cohesive in their overall design.

Close, collaboration across the project team helped ensure the common spaces throughout the development provide ample opportunities to connect with nature on this urban site.

The homes are certified 4-Star Built Green and solar ready, serving the greater Seattle area’s housing shortage by increasing density as well as providing sustainable contemporary homes to buyers. At long last, Rainier View Homes is finally ready for residents to call home.

Rainier View Homes – Board & Vellum
Colorful Cottages

The cottage exteriors are brightly colored with shades each complemented by the village green, creating a well-rounded theme and palette. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Colorful Cottages

The cottage exteriors are brightly colored with shades each complemented by the village green, creating a well-rounded theme and palette. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Rainier View Homes – Board & Vellum
The Village Green

This charming, colorful cottage community shares a village green that unifies the community and creates a natural space for outdoor recreation. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

The Village Green

This charming, colorful cottage community shares a village green that unifies the community and creates a natural space for outdoor recreation. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Rainier View Homes – Board & Vellum
Urban Cottage

The compact cottage homes are elongated by angled rooflines that reach for the sky and bright, colorful accent walls. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Urban Cottage

The compact cottage homes are elongated by angled rooflines that reach for the sky and bright, colorful accent walls. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Rainier View Homes – Board & Vellum
Modern Designs

The contemporary massing design of the cottages creates an illusion of increased mass and introduces eye-catching dimensions throughout the exterior. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Modern Designs

The contemporary massing design of the cottages creates an illusion of increased mass and introduces eye-catching dimensions throughout the exterior. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Rainier View Homes – Board & Vellum
Prospect & Refuge

Perched above an expanse of trees, Rainier View Homes offers residents a peaceful taste of cottage living in urban King County. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Prospect & Refuge

Perched above an expanse of trees, Rainier View Homes offers residents a peaceful taste of cottage living in urban King County. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Rainier View Homes – Board & Vellum
Sunny Entrance

A prominent window on the front wall brightens the common spaces, while darker flooring and crisp walls give the interior a polished finish. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Sunny Entrance

A prominent window on the front wall brightens the common spaces, while darker flooring and crisp walls give the interior a polished finish. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Rainier View Homes – Board & Vellum
Flowing Design

The open-concept interior promotes fluid movement throughout the spacious lower-level. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Flowing Design

The open-concept interior promotes fluid movement throughout the spacious lower-level. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Rainier View Homes – Board & Vellum
Stylish Kitchen

A chocolate backsplash and dark cabinetry echo the flooring and are coupled with stainless steel appliances for a refined and comfortably sophisticated style. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Stylish Kitchen

A chocolate backsplash and dark cabinetry echo the flooring and are coupled with stainless steel appliances for a refined and comfortably sophisticated style. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Rainier View Homes – Board & Vellum
Cozy Home Office

Carpeted floors, vaulted ceilings, and natural light make the upstairs feel snug and pleasant, but there’s still plenty of space for practical use. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Cozy Home Office

Carpeted floors, vaulted ceilings, and natural light make the upstairs feel snug and pleasant, but there’s still plenty of space for practical use. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Rainier View Homes – Board & Vellum
Higher Views

Rooftop decks add additional space to connect with the outdoors and host friends and family. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Higher Views

Rooftop decks add additional space to connect with the outdoors and host friends and family. Rainier View Homes | Photo by Sage Saskill.

Notes & Credits
This project was developed by Rainier View Homes, LLC.
Landscape Architecture by Third Place Design Co-Operative.
Interior Design by Entero Design.
Lighting by Zuli Lighting.
Civil Engineering by Taylor Engineering Consultants, Inc..
Structural Engineering by Detail V, LLC.
Photography by Sage Saskill.

Want to learn more?

You’re welcome to take a look at our available services and other portfolio projects.

Services

Our design services encompass architecture, interior design, and landscape architecture, with teams specializing in projects across the spectrum, from single-family homes to multifamily and mixed-use buildings, and from boutique commercial spaces to civic spaces, like parks. We love designing the integrated fabric of structures, spaces, and places that create vibrant neighborhoods.

Portfolio

Our portfolio of work spans across a spectrum of project types and scales. We don’t have a particular “style” either: we love traditional, modern, contemporary, you name it. Our goal is to work with you to design a project you love.

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