Project: Rural Retreat in Washington/ Studhorse Winthrop
Design Principal: Tom Kundig / Olson Kundig Architects
Project Manager: Mark Olthoff
Interior Designer: Debbie Kennedy
Staff Gus Lynch
Location: Winthrop, Washington
Photography: Benjamin Benschneider
Studhorse is a rural retreat designed by Olson Kundig Architects. The house is located in Winthrop, Washington, US.
Description by Olson Kündig: Set in the remote Methow Valley, Studhorse responds to the clients’ desire to experience and engage the surrounding environment throughout all four seasons. Referencing the tradition of circling wagons, the buildings—four small, unattached structures—are scattered around a central courtyard and pool. The 20-acre site is nestled in the northern portion of the 60 mile long glacial valley and the buildings are arranged to frame carefully composed views of the surrounding Studhorse Ridge and Pearrygin Lake.
Traditional boundaries between the built structure and its surroundings are purposefully blurred, so that the family can experience the site and nature. With the four buildings oriented to open to the central courtyard, the design is oriented toward family life and entertaining.
Public areas, including the family room, kitchen and bar are grouped together in the common area pavilion. Private areas—the master bedroom, kids’ bedroom, and den—are more secluded in an adjacent building. Guest rooms are part of the master plan composition of buildings but isolated to allow for independent use. The sauna sits removed from the other buildings with a privately framed view looking out over the valley below.
Tough and low maintenance building materials, mostly steel and glass, were utilized to stand up to the equally tough environmental conditions—from hot, fire-prone summers to snowy winters. Wood siding used throughout the project was salvaged from an old barn in the valley. The varying tones of the wood reveal its history and use. Over time as the wood and steel weather, the home will become more and more muted in appearance, blending into the landscape.
