Perched on the sloped landscapes of Mercer Island, Washington, this poolside retreat is a masterclass in modern functionalism and Pacific Northwest resilience. Designed by Silk Cavassa Marchetti Architects and brought to life by Gallagher Co. Construction in partnership with dealer partner Six Walls, the project transforms a challenging, steep lot into a sleek, multi-zonal sanctuary tailored for a family of four.

The vision for the space was driven by a clear mandate from the homeowners: a desire for a covered, year-round outdoor dining area that didn't sacrifice style for durability. Stuart Silk, Founding Partner of Silk Cavassa Marchetti Architects, explains that creating a covered footprint large enough to house both a full dining suite and a professional-grade outdoor kitchen was essential to the home’s flow.

Integrating this vision into the natural topography required significant structural ingenuity. "Like the house, the location of the outdoor space needed to be dug into the sloping site," notes Erik Bredberg of the design team. The solution was the construction of architectural concrete L-shaped retaining walls, which serve a dual purpose—maximizing the usable square footage of the property while providing a clean, contemporary backdrop for the kitchen and lounge areas.

In the Pacific Northwest, the elements are a primary design consideration. To ensure the space remains an asset through all four seasons, the team integrated high-performance heaters and a dramatic outdoor fireplace. Coupled with an outdoor media setup, these features turn the poolside area into a true extension of the home’s interior, even in cooler months.

At the heart of this elevated entertaining hub is an Urban Bonfire outdoor kitchen. The selection was a deliberate choice based on the site's high exposure and the project’s rigorous aesthetic standards. "Urban Bonfire was chosen because the components needed to be robust enough to stand up to the exposure of the site," says Bredberg, adding that the "fit and finish aligned perfectly with the aesthetics of the house."

The kitchen serves as the functional anchor of the patio, offering a sophisticated silhouette that complements the raw beauty of the architectural concrete. By combining the durability of marine-grade aluminum with a design-forward approach, the installation ensures that the family can cook, dine, and entertain regardless of the Washington weather.

Through the collaboration of Gallagher Co. Construction and Stuart Silk Architects, this Mercer Island project proves that with intentional design and the right materials, a "blank slate" slope can become a home’s most coveted destination—balancing the warmth of a family gathering spot with the cool precision of modern architecture.