Situated high above Alki Beach with a commanding view of Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, the Admiral Residence fulfills the owners’ request for a traditionally styled home to be built upon the existing foundation of a 1950’s rambler which formerly occupied the site. Castanes Architects set out to make the most of the majestic Western view, while importing a bit of “East Coast” shingle-style vernacular for the new design. The exterior is neatly composed of clear-sealed horizontal cedar siding and cedar shakes, with crisp white-painted trim set off by copper flashings. The show piece of the interior is a wonderfully light kitchen with white-painted cabinets accented by the soft blue-grey of its bluestone counters. This theme is re-stated in the clean and neutral master bath, with its oversize white-glazed “subway” tiles and marble counters supporting gleaming white basins.