Hillside Residence

Our clients, a born and raised SoCal couple, intend to live modestly and comfortably on this hillside perch overlooking the San Juan archipelago. Their modest 1,500sf program is split into two separate structures, one consisting of living spaces and guest suite and the other consisting of the primary suite. The two structures are situated on either side of an old-growth fir tree, which serves as a focal-point for the homesite. This split program responds to the owner’s desire for to engage with the landscape and ever-changing atmospheric conditions. Views are embraced, with glass walls running the length of the south façade and deep overhangs providing protection from weather and summer sun. Locally sourced materials were utilized wherever possible, including ceilings and floors milled on the island. The cabinet maker and steel fabricator were islanders, and the windows and doors were built less than 50 miles away.