The wooded landscape of Whidbey Island, Washington is the perfect place for this cabin-style home designed by Chesmore|Buck Architecture. From the outside, the timber house blends beautifully with its natural surroundings. Exteriors and interiors pay homage to this forested setting, clad in wood from floor to ceiling, and expansive glazing framing views of the trees, the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains in the distance. In the heart of this secluded spot, this 2,000-sq.-ft. glass-enclosed structure is an open, humming hub that promotes socialization and is well suited to family life.
The “butterfly” roof maximizes views in every direction, supported by barely there floor-to-ceiling glass walls that invite views in. Overhead, exposed wood beams flow seamlessly from inside out, while vertical wood beams support this signature V-shaped roof structure.
Chosen for its warm look and inspired by the forested landscape of the island, the wood facade plays a defining role in this cottage-inspired design. But apart from pure aesthetics, wood was also chosen for its sustainable qualities, ensuring this house does its part to keep its environment clean and green. The horizontal panels of cedar cladding accentuate the home’s low, horizontal silhouette.
Just on the other side of the glass walls, a walk-out to a terrace ensures enjoyment of the view first-hand. The home’s placement at the edge of a slope creates the effect that you’re leaping out into nature.
Boats bobbing along the Sound is the only traffic you’ll see from this perspective! Peaceful panoramas become a vision that you’ll never tire of, inspiring a calmer approach to daily life.
The entrance to the house follows the bold line of its inverted roof, and leads down a long external “hallway” of concrete blocks underfoot and a timber ceiling overhead.
As you pass through the front door, the transition from outdoors in is seamless. The long wood ceiling and concrete block wall continues beyond the glass and into the house. Exposed steel ceiling beams lend this structure a country-casual feel.
Just like the exterior, wood is a defining feature of interiors, bringing its warm, honey tone to the living areas. This earthy, organic material is the perfect complement to the home’s other central focus – the view. Just imagine sitting at this table every morning and having a huge helping of nature with your breakfast!
Glass walls at every turn and an open floor plan allow for outdoor views from every point in the home.
The kitchen is small, but sweet. Wood ceilings and floors, wood cabinets and cabinet-front appliances, and a wood island pay homage to this celebrated material and the forested surroundings. Large expanses of glass invite the leafy trees indoors.
Forget the traditional backsplash in this earthy kitchen! Between the countertop and cabinets, a small but impactful rectangular window floods this workspace with natural light and outdoor views. The island offers prep space and an eating area for casual meals on the go.
Open to the living area, the kitchen is the hub of this home. A concrete-block fireplace features a three-sided glass firebox that lets you enjoy the flickering flame from any point. In fact, this open concept house only has two traditional walls – the concrete wall separating the hallway from the guest room, and the wall enclosing the master bedroom. This layout leaves living areas open for socializing while allowing a free flow of light and views.
Whether you find yourself in the refuge of this home or out in the open, you’re sure to get an eyeful of nature, style, and simple luxury.
Chesmore|Buck Architecture
via Contemporist
photo credit: Michael Seidl
