A new twist on a family's nature retreat. 

Private residence  · 1,550 SQFT

The dream home for this outdoor enthusiast couple first and foremost had to have a connection with nature, both visually and from interactive sense on-site.  Daylighting, prevailing breezes, and planning for future solar power were primary design factors for the forest home. They both enjoy the concept of an open living and kitchen area, with industrial finishes and creative custom touches, paired with practical space-making and minimalist space constraints.  In fact, the entire two-story home comes in at 1,550 square feet, that allows for a master suite, laundry room, kitchen, pantry, and living room on the second floor, coupled with a downstairs that includes a guest bedroom, bathroom, and storage areas.  

The goal of moving most of the day to day functionality of the home to the second floor was to take advantage of the views, day-lighting, and on-site breezes that the 20 acre site allows.  Industrial finishes throughout the home include: plate steel counters, furniture grade plywood accent walls, standing seam metal roofing, exposed conduit in select areas, a 300 lb. locally sourced cedar clad sliding barn door, IKEA cabinetry, vapor proof, exposed Edison bulbs, and nautical wall sconce lighting fixtures, deck painted smooth plywood floors, stainless cable railing, and flat bar steel handrails to name just a few.

Utilizing standard window sizes, siding, concrete block, plywood, and fixtures allowed the design team and client to customize their home in ways that made a truly unique design come to fruition out of a kit of parts. The long term goal of moving off-grid with future solar, water collection, and passive heating and cooling are key elements incorporated into the design of the home today. The journey was a great opportunity for everyone to learn and grow while maintaining the standards of excellence set forth, and was well worth the efforts in creating a sustainable and long lasting home for years to come.