Large openings and earthen matter are characteristic in A guest house This architectural studio Bohlin Cywinski Jackson He added to a private residence on a secluded island in the Pacific Northwest.
The guesthouse is built on 24 acres (9.7 ha) on Henry Island – part of the San Juan Islands archipelago, which lies off the north coast. Washington. The property includes a primary residence designed by and based in Pennsylvania Bohlin Cywinski Jackson In 2012.
Access to the site is by boat, and a pathway winding from a dock through a wooded area leads to a sunlit meadow. The main house is situated within this meadow, overlooking a shallow cove.
“When the new owners purchased the property in 2016, they engaged us in making additions to the site that respected the natural character of the sparsely populated island,” the company said.
The guest house is designed as a flexible space that can accommodate extended stays for family and friends. The rectangular building contains the main living area and two bedrooms.
Measuring 1,350 square feet (125 square metres), the residence is sensitively designed and relates to “the vocabulary and materials of the main house while maintaining a distinct identity”.
The building is located uphill from the main house – close enough to feel connected but far enough away to provide privacy. Built in a gentle slope, the guest house is partly built cantilever across the site.
“The slope allowed us to anchor one end of the building into the ground and cantilever the other end above grade, reducing ground disturbance while creating character for each of the two bedrooms,” the architects said.
One of the bedrooms overlooks the bay, while the other faces the forest and feels more intimate.
The guest house’s material palette mimics that of the main residence – Douglas firAnd the ricesteel and glass.
“We used this material to visually connect new and existing buildings,” the team said.
A poured concrete ledge defines the entrance to the guest house and visually anchors the building in situ. A weatherproof steel wall serves as a privacy screen.
Inside, the living area acts as a “covered porch” flanked by two of the bedrooms – a concept based on the covered breezeway found in the main house.
“Large sliding glass doors in the walls on either side open up the space and immerse visitors in the sights, smells and sounds of the island,” the team said.
Finishes and decor have been carefully combined to create a relaxed atmosphere and connection to the landscape. Many of the pieces of furniture were designed specifically for the space by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson.
The architects noted that because of Henry Island’s remote location and limited access, many components of the building were prefabricated And then transported to the site during the construction phase.
Furthermore, the project required extensive planning and coordination due to the tidal tables in the shallow bay around the island.
Other projects by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson include A.J California winery With a “modest yet refined atmosphere” and A house on top of a hill in rural Wyoming With an external facade made of wood, concrete and glass.
Photography by Aaron Leitz Unless otherwise specified.
Project credits:
structural engineer: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
interior design: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
General contractor: Hoxie Huggins Construction
Structural Engineer: Structural solutions for personal computers
civil engineer: Pacific Surveying and Engineering
aesthetic view: Allureth Design
Geotechnical Engineer: PanGeo
Surveyor: San Juan Survey
fire protection: Commercial fire protection
Archaeologist: Cascadia Archeology
Wetland Delineation: Rosewood Environmental Services