Joyful Aerie, Kirkland, Washington home

Joyful Aerie in Kirkland, Washington, USA

May 28, 2026

Architecture and interior design: Rerucha Studio

Location: Kirkland, Washington, USA

Photos: Kevin Scott

Aerie\noun. 1: the nest of a bird on a cliff or a mountain top. 2: an elevated and often secluded dwelling, structure, or position.

The Joyful Aerie is a 3,800-square-foot residence was designed for the architect’s brother and his wife, who shared a vision for a modern home infused with influences from her Thai heritage. Drawing on elements common to traditional Thai houses—warm-toned wood, layered screens, and a close relationship to nature—the design blends these references with a contemporary Pacific Northwest sensibility.

Located in an urban neighborhood just a few blocks from downtown Kirkland, the site offers territorial views of Lake Washington from the upper level. The house is conceived as open and light-filled.

A floating wood-and-steel stair anchors the two-story entry court, opening the interior to daylight and long views. An adjacent exterior reflecting pool strengthens the connection to nature as one moves through the entry sequence and helps to create a moment of calm upon arrival.

Entertaining is central to the plan. To take full advantage of the lake views, the primary living spaces—living room, dining room, and kitchen—are located on the second floor, along with the primary suite. A series of layered screens filters nearby suburban views, while expansive sightlines to the lake are opened through a fully operable window wall leading to the upper terrace, creating a seamless indoor–outdoor connection. An elevator provides easy movement between floors, simplifying daily routines such as transporting groceries, luggage, and the couple’s two dogs. The lower level accommodates a golf room with virtual-play capabilities, a lounge, guest suite, laundry room and dog bath, and a flexible space used as a home office.

The material palette is restrained and tactile, featuring white oak floors, textured wall finishes, and neutral furnishings. Asian-inspired elements—wood screens, the open plan, a reflecting pond, and a bamboo grove in the yard—subtly reference the wife’s culture.

The slatted screens, executed in walnut rather than lighter woods, cast patterned light throughout the house and recall the darker woods commonly found in Thai architecture. Pacific Northwest influences emerge through an industrial-leaning glass-and-steel framework softened by custom wood elements, including screens, ceilings, wall panels, and the front door. In the kitchen, charcoal-toned quartz countertops and black marble backsplashes are paired with custom dark-stained cabinetry finished with a subtle pearlized sheen that catches and reflects light.