Set along the edge of Lake Washington in Kirkland, this all-glass residence feels like it has stepped out of a fantasy world. Designed by Goble Berriman Design in collaboration with Pulp Studio, F-House brings an ambitious concept into reality. Inspired by the idea of a shattered ice formation pushing through rugged terrain, the home takes on a sharp, sculptural form that immediately stands apart from anything around it.
Created for a key figure in the computer gaming industry, the brief was clear from the beginning, build a “crystal house.” What followed was years of design exploration, technical problem-solving, and a commitment to turning a bold visual into a livable home.
An Exterior Built Entirely of Glass
What makes F-House so striking is its complete reliance on glass. There are no traditional exterior materials. Instead, the structure is formed from a collection of uniquely cut panels, most of them angular and irregular in shape. Only a handful follow standard square or rectangular formats.
Each piece fits into a larger geometric composition, creating a facade that feels fractured yet intentional. Beneath it all, a steel primary structure supports the system, while concealed fixings keep the appearance clean and uninterrupted. Even the functional elements are hidden, thanks to custom direct-to-glass printed borders that mask connections and drainage details.
Surrounded by Nature, Reflected in Every Surface
Positioned beside Lake Washington, the home is wrapped in greenery and natural rock formations. These surroundings don’t just frame the house, they become part of it. Every surface reflects the landscape, constantly shifting with light, weather, and time of day.
Across the water, Mount Rainier adds another layer to the view. Its presence contrasts with the home’s sharp geometry, giving the setting a balance between natural softness and architectural precision.
Engineering Transparency Without Compromise
Designing a house made entirely of glass comes with obvious challenges. Privacy, thermal performance, and structural integrity all needed to be addressed without losing the original vision.
High-performance glazing plays a key role here. Double silver-coated glass was used throughout the main house, while solar-protected glass was selected for the winter garden. Low-e coatings help regulate temperature, and custom dot pattern shading improves energy efficiency.
Each glass unit is made from layered components separated by an air gap, incorporating Saflex interlayers that can vary from clear to opaque or even colored. Behind the scenes, insulated spandrel panels and precise edge detailing ensure the system performs as well as it looks.
Designing in 3D Before Building in Reality
Given the complexity of the structure, the entire project relied on an advanced 3D computer-aided design process. Every consultant and contractor worked within this shared digital model to resolve the intricate geometry.
For the homeowner, this meant experiencing the house long before it was built. Using 3D goggles, they could walk through the design, refining details and understanding how each space would feel. By the time construction was complete, the finished home already felt familiar, with no surprises, only confirmation that the vision had been fully realized.
A Layout Defined by Light and Movement
Inside, the layout unfolds through a sequence of light-filled spaces. A winter garden acts as a central divider, separating the main residence from the studio and garage, where a glazed hangar door adds another unexpected detail.
A continuous skylight stretches from the entry through to the dining area and outdoor terraces, pulling daylight deep into the home. One of the most striking features is the glass bridge that connects to the master bedroom, turning a simple transition into a memorable experience.
F-House is as much about collaboration as it is about design. The partnership between Goble Berriman Design and Pulp Studio made it possible to execute a project of this complexity.
With nearly every glass panel custom-made, the level of precision required went far beyond standard construction. The result is a home that pushes residential design into new territory, showing just how far materials and technology can be taken when there’s a clear idea driving the process.