Nestled within a densely forested property along the northeastern end of the Olympic Peninsula, this 2,200 SF dwelling is designed to celebrate its connection to nature, while developing a level of privacy from the adjacent properties.
Each interior space is oriented to frame unique views of the trees and landscape on site. The shared living spaces have large-low openings to the understory, while the private facing views have elevated clerestory windows to frame the tree canopies. These high and low apertures connect the interior spaces to the landscape, and maximize natural daylight, without compromising the privacy of the home.
Two 16-foot-wide sliding doors on either side of the living wing allow the space to completely open to exterior private courtyards, expanding the livable area and extending the architecture into the landscape.
Complementing the verticality of the existing trees, the board and batten siding celebrates the integration of the architecture within the natural context. While the house was sited to preserve as many trees as possible, the trees that were removed during construction were repurposed for the interior ceiling and finishes, further complementing and revealing the essence of the unique site characteristics.
The high and low apertures of the residence naturally cool the interior spaces through stack ventilation techniques, minimizing the dependency on energy intensive mechanical systems. Designing the home as a single story-structure allows the homeowners to age in place and be in constant connection with the landscape.
