Ken-

One issue ago in This Old House there was an architect that put a modern looking addition on his bungalow - I was surprised to see such a modern design in the magazine. Look for an issue at your local library. As far as designing a modern house in W. Seattle you'll have no problem with resale in my opinion. W. Seattle is sprinkled with modern projects - most notable are a couple down on Alki designed by Arellano-Christofides. Do your research then drive around...there are lots of cool projects out there. As long as you do something that makes 'sense' and isn't too far out there you'll not have any problem selling the house. I recall an older issue of DWELL that had a bungalow renovation in an historic neighborhood somewhere in Canada. I've got the issue somewhere...I could look it up but maybe somebody here knows the issue I'm talking about off the top of their head. It was a sensible addition that contributed to the house rather than detracted from it - that should be your ultimate goal.

John

Mint

Have you been to the city to check it out with a permit specialist? Sounds like you might have already. If not, some exceptions that might help:

If you are already in a setback, the city will allow an extension of the non-conformity as long as it isn't within 3' of a side property line or within 15' of the front property line. You can also average your neighbors existing front yards to push the house closer to the front.

Bay windows (8' or less) can project up to 2 feet in required yards, and you can stack 'em to create a light filled slot up the side of the house. Might help to squeeze a little more square footage out of a tight lot.

You can also build the attached garage with parapet walls, construct the roof as a deck (although you can't use it as such when you are getting your inspections), then sneak a door in later, to bend the rules a bit. But then you end up with a garage/shop with an eight foot ceiling at best, to get in under the 12' height requirement. Not so good for furniture building or moving plywood around for cabinets. Any alley access?

Finally, with regards to getting a variance, if the other houses on the block all have an amenity and the code is precluding you from constructing a similar amenity, the city is pretty open to approving it (because they don't want to be seen as essentially devaluing your property). Of course, variances take time, money and suddenly involve your neighbors in the design of your house, which may not be the best route if you are trying to construct a glass box in a traditional neighborhood.

I agree with John and Mark above, and I wouldn't worry too much about the context especially in West Seattle. It's hip and up-and-coming, and the more you look the more you will find little modern gems tucked into the neighborhood. I live down on Alki Beach and love the mix.

Otherwise, for the modern take on the traditional bungalow, check out miller/hull's hansman residence on Queen Anne (I think it is off 9th on the west slope). It isn't on the website anymore, but is in their book (see Peter Miller Books, downtown)

Also, (shameless self-promotion ahead), I am a designer/builder in Seattle and specialize in these kinds of challenging remodels and would love to help if you need a hand.

Matt
CAST design/build
www.cast-db.com

PS. what's Mint design/build? What kind of furniture?