Inspired homes in the West

A recycled jumbo jet, Airstream trailer, modern houseboat, and more innovative design

The West's most innovative homes

2009-2010 Sunset-AIA Western Home Awards: The best architecture is meant to be used

Photo by John Clark, , story by Allison Arieff

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Best urban living space: Triple play

Project: Colman Triplex, Seattle

What we love: That the architects designed a complex yet elegant system to fit three apartments, each with generous outdoor living space and views, within just 3,800 square feet.

The use of a structural steel frame allowed for more flexible floor plans: Someday, for instance, units A and C could be combined to make an apartment large enough to house a home office, an aging parent, or a growing family.

Design: Workshop Architecture + Design, Seattle (206/903-5414)

See inside one of the units next.