![Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Phinney-Modern-by-Elemental-Architecture_01.jpg)
Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture
The top-floor living room of this Seattle house projects across the garden in a twisted cantilever.
![Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Phinney-Modern-by-Elemental-Architecture_02a.jpg)
Local studio Elemental Architecture designed the three-storey house, where living rooms and a kitchen are unusually located on the cantilevering top storey.
![Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Phinney-Modern-by-Elemental-Architecture_03.jpg)
Glass doors open the kitchen out to a large balcony.
![Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Phinney-Modern-by-Elemental-Architecture_04.jpg)
A staircase leads up from here to a rooftop terrace that overlooks the neighbourhood.
![Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Phinney-Modern-by-Elemental-Architecture_05a.jpg)
Bedrooms occupy the first floor, while a utility room, office and garage are on the ground level.
![Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Phinney-Modern-by-Elemental-Architecture_18.jpg)
Other cantilevering houses on Dezeen include one over that projects over a river and another with a base of stacked ceramic wine racks - see all our stories about cantilevers here.
![Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Phinney-Modern-by-Elemental-Architecture_06.jpg)
Here are a few sentences from Elemental Architecture:
Phinney Modern
2510 sqft single family home located in Seattles Phinney Ridge neighborhood.
![Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Phinney-Modern-by-Elemental-Architecture_09.jpg)
This home was designed for a young family on a small in-fill lot.
![Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Phinney-Modern-by-Elemental-Architecture_08.jpg)
The lot was very challenging just over 2000 sft with a access easement covering a portion of the southwest corner.
![Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Phinney-Modern-by-Elemental-Architecture_07.jpg)
This created a situation where the building footprint covered the majority of the yard, so it was essential to capture outdoor space on the structure.
![Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Phinney-Modern-by-Elemental-Architecture_201.gif)
This led to the reverse floorplan (living on the third level), allowing the main spaces to easily access outdoor space, light and view.
![Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Phinney-Modern-by-Elemental-Architecture_211.gif)
The homeowners created a welcoming contrast by their choices in furniture and wall coverings.
![Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Phinney-Modern-by-Elemental-Architecture_221.gif)
The upper level opens to a west facing deck and exterior stair leading to a view roofdeck which overlooks Ballard and the Puget Sound.
![Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture Phinney Modern by Elemental Architecture](https://static.dezeen.com/uploads/2011/09/dezeen_Phinney-Modern-by-Elemental-Architecture_231.gif)