SZ: On the Boards | SPRING 2025

NW GREEN HOME TOUR 2025

SNEAK PEEK: Architect’s Home & DADU

Enjoy a sneak peek into an Architect’s new home on Mercer Island.  Perched uphill from her recently built 750 SF Guest House, Suzanne Zahr’s beautiful 3,300 SF family home is organized around a featured ‘spine wall’ running North-South, paying homage to an indigenous rammed earth building methodology. A split ridge roof with clerestory windows is seated above, allowing for natural light to travel through the main living areas from dawn to dusk. Thoughtful site orientation and efficient space planning enable passive solar design to maximize heat retention and minimize energy use, which ultimately offers a general sense of ambient well-being. Taking advantage of the sloped site, the stormwater gravity flows into an on-site detention tank, minimizing the impact to municipal stormwater drainage system that flows into Lake Washington.

Exterior and interior finishes throughout are durable and grounded in earthy-modern tones and textures, offering the occasional artisanal flourish, promoting a relaxed and welcoming environment. Solar-ready, this home features energy-saving lighting design, automatic shading and Control4 smart-home technology. Plumbing fixtures have been selected for their timeless beauty and low-flow efficiency. Artwork & furnishings are layered in to enhance and personalize each space.

Downhill, the Guest House is nestled into the hillside, as it opens towards Western sunsets and views. With one bedroom, one bath, two sleeping lofts and a sleeper sofa, this tiny home can accommodate 6 guests comfortably. Finishes have been selected to express an earthy-modern vibe, approachable yet sophisticated. Artisanal tilework is woven into a finish palette of natural stone, concrete and wood. Warm lighting is accented by sculptural pendants and controlled with integrated smart-home technology. Its live-roof blankets this Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit (DADU), keeping it warm on cool nights and absorbs the heat on sunny days. Cozy, but uncompromised.

We design and build for the beauty, durability, and longevity of our homes.

ART

WEAVING STORIES - Literary Salon + Afternoon Tea

You are warmly invited to an engaging afternoon at our Literary Salon, "Weaving Stories - The Echoes Within," on March 22nd, 2-4PM (sharp!) at the SZ Gallery on Mercer Island. Join us on in a thoughtful discussion honoring the story weavers highlighted in the “Weaving Stories" book, powered by PICHA. The book is a rich collection of pictures and stories highlighting the voices of photographers from Afrocentric communities. Through powerful imagery, we'll delve into shared human experiences and challenge our perspectives on visual storytelling.

Saturday, March 22, 2-4PM
SZ Gallery | 2441 76th Ave SE | Mercer Island
FREE Literary Salon
All are welcome, but seats are limited!

The Salon, led by Nikki Baidwan, will feature:

• Discussion on the emotional impact of images and their cultural context

• Reflections on the stories behind the photographs

• Opportunity to connect with others and share insights

• Information about grant opportunities funded by the book

Join us for an afternoon of rich conversation, inspiring community along with music and delicacies from the countries featured in the book.

We look forward to sharing this enriching experience with you.

COMMUNITY

YA HALA (Welcome)! Pop-ups at SZ Gallery

Mark your calendars! Our April First Friday, Mercer Island Art Walk event (April 4th) will be a joint SZ Gallery 9th Anniversary celebration and the kickoff for a month-long community-centric pop-up space, Ya Hala!

Think ahweh, shaay, critical conversations, and connection to culture and heritage. 

Come connect, learn, and make yourself at home at the Ya Hala pop-ups at the SZ Gallery going on through April, MENA Heritage Month.

DESIGN

GARDENER’S HOME - Mercer Island

Exterior shots of this beautiful Addition / Remodel to come, once spring has sprung! Until then, enjoy these interior views of an expanded family home on Mercer Island. The Kitchen opened up onto the interior living spaces while seamlessly connecting to the lush garden and new curved deck. Designed to entertain many, this beautiful Kitchen and Dining Area can also feel intimate and cozy for day-to-day use.

SZ TEAM

Meet Tonka

We’re thrilled to introduce you to Tonka, newest member of the SZ Team. Your next visit to the SZ Office | Gallery on Mercer Island will likely be met with enthusiastic wags and sniffs from this very sweet boy.