54 DIGS.NET
| 8.21.2020
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materials were used throughout: Douglas fir for
floors and trim; western red cedar for siding, wall and
ceiling cladding; and Pacific madrone for furniture. In
addition to landscape architecture firm Garden Artisan
and interior design firm Ore Studios, local craftspeople
worked on different aspects of this project—one that
perfectly fits its environment.
Big windows and the open floor plan maximize views
of the ocean and vegetation from inside the structure,
especially in the cozy living space. Here one finds
pieces including a wood-burning stove surrounded
by built-in cedar shelving, a Hi Turn chair by Bensen
(upholstered in a Gabriel blue wool), a comfortable
sofa from Design Within Reach, Bocci pendants lights
with amber glass, a slab dining table custom made by
the owner and her father, and Bikappa dining chairs
by Kristalia. All helps to cultivate a warm atmosphere.
The deck is the prolongation of the living and dining
rooms, merging indoor and outdoor areas in a fluid
way. A simple layout distinguishes public spaces
from private, comprising the three bedrooms. The
master suite and master bathroom are painted an
earthy Benjamin Moore hue and Templeton Gray,
respectively, and offer more privacy as they face the
forested slope. Led by Andy Beers, Ore Studios drew
inspiration from nature to decorate the serene home
with textures and colors that reference the landscape.
As the house was designed within San Juan Islands
National Monument, every member of the architecture
and landscaping team took careful consideration to
protect the unique terrain while bringing this project to
life. "A clear understanding of near-shore ecology
greatly impacted the design of the home," the
Heliotrope members say. "With shallow soils, our
design goal was to not disrupt the natural stormwater
flow on the site. […] Our drainage design captures
runoff to closely replicating the flow of water on the
site to pre-construction condition."
Designed with enduring quality, timeless beauty
and respect for nature, this geometric, eco-friendly
cabin where all spaces flow together prove that
architecture can be honestly and thoughtfully
dedicated to its site.
THIS RETREAT HOME
FOR A FAMILY OF
FOUR IS LOCATED
ON A ROCKY, WIND-
SWEPT SOUTH
FACING SHORELINE.
