Perched on a forested hillside above a shallow bay in the San Juan Islands, the Henry Island Guesthouse offers a compact, thoughtfully designed escape. By responding to the site’s rugged terrain, reusing materials from the main residence, and prioritizing a seamless connection to the landscape
Nestled on the windswept western shore of Orcas Island, the Deer Harbor Retreat reimagines an aging compound of home, guest quarters, studio, and garage into a luminous island retreat. By carving a bold central incision through the existing structure, the design not only reshapes how residents enter their home but also forges stronger ties to the surrounding landscape of water, forest, and sky.
Discovery Bay House by Dekleva Gregorič Architects sits lightly in the Pacific Northwest, where Douglas fir beams form a clear, orthogonal grid. From the moment you step inside, the warm wood structure greets you. Sunlight filters through diagonal windows, carving shifting patterns on birch plywood walls.
Perched high above a sunlit meadow, Whidbey Uparati embodies the art of blending into its natural surroundings instead of imposing upon them. This contemporary family retreat is designed as a sanctuary for meditation, bonding, and the pursuit of “uparati”—meaning “stillness” in Sanskrit.
Whidbey Puzzle Prefab demonstrates how smart design can minimize environmental impact while fostering health, flexibility, and a deep connection to nature. This innovative prototype packs 600 square feet of thoughtfully arranged interior living space alongside 557 square feet of covered outdoor decks—all in a footprint one‑quarter the size of the average American home.
The In‑Kind House by GO’C transforms a modest 1950s foundation into a bright, nature‑connected retreat without increasing its footprint. Rather than adding square footage, the design delivers “just enough” space to meet the client’s needs—no more, no less—while repairing a poorly laid‑out original home.
Icicle Creek Cabin by CAST Architecture is a high-mountain, off-grid retreat located on a private inholding in the Wenatchee National Forest. Built to thrive in heavy snowfall and extreme temperature swings, the cabin sits on an unwooded knoll to protect the existing site. Its design is pragmatic, durable, and energy efficient.
Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects built Wandling House on 20 acres of working ranch property, where elegant design meets Methow practicality. The site inspires with its gorgeous views of distant mountains, wildflower-clad hills, and even cows grazing nearby. Moreover, the expansive setting enriches the character of this distinctive residence.
