Situated in the San Jan Islands in the Great Northwest, the Alexander Beach House is a modest 3,200 sf home overlooking the great Burrows Bay. The site presented many challenges from the steep grade, narrow site and privacy concerns with adjacent structures. The schemes capitalize on these challenges and utilize them to help define a private outdoor courtyard that allows for privacy, indoor/outdoor connections and dramatic views to the bay. The clients wished to have a one bedroom house that included a connected guest apartment for family visits. This guest units becomes integrated seamlessly into the massing, yet allows privacy for the clients.