A bit of Robert Hanna history in this Shoreline midcentury

Few homes touch on as many parts of Seattle’s history as this midcentury in Shoreline. Architect Robert Hanna, contributed to places that stand out, including Westlake Square and both the Seattle and Tacoma University of Washington campuses. He helped turn the 1962 World’s Fair grounds—now the Seattle Center—into a park.

While he was primarily known for landscape architecture, the listing for this 1963 midcentury modern home, on the market for $899,950, nods to Hanna as its architect.

Typical of the era, it includes early versions of walls of windows. Some are floor-to-ceiling, but others are half-heights, as appropriate. Typical of the region, there’s a mix of minimalism influences from Asia and Scandinavia. Combined, they helped set a trend that continues.

Instead of one enormous cathedral ceiling, there are several more intimate vaulted ceilings. Using several instead of one keeps the house more welcoming and less intimidating. A pair of similar roofs create what must be one of the early outdoor living spaces, complete with skylights. For extra light inside, clerestory windows crown the great room.

With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, the 2,906-square-foot home has enough room for most families with enough room left over for entertaining.

A few of the more period pieces are just right for the retro feel: the large brick fireplace, a wet bar with a neighboring rock ringed fireplace, and cabinetry that looks right at home in time and space.

One thing that is more modern is the media room, the one room where windows aren’t as welcome.

Outside is about a third of an acre of meticulously manicured landscaping.

This house is a good reminder that architects may be known for their grander projects, but that frequently they also paid the bills by designing houses. Those houses may be even better expressions of their art—they’re less likely to be designed by committee.

• 1003 NW 179th Pl, Shoreline [CBB]