Project: Wandling House
Architecture: Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
Structural: Evergreen Design Company
Location: Winthrop, Washington, United States
Area: 2396 ft2
Year: 2023
Photo Credits: Andrew Pogue Photography
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.
The design features two roughly equivalent rectangular volumes covered in corrugated metal. On one hand, one volume accommodates a couple’s daily life with an open kitchen, living, and dining area alongside a master suite. On the other hand, the second volume hosts guest bedrooms for grown children and includes a garage. Additionally, a flat-roofed connector unites these two shed-roofed wings by serving as the entry and utility room, which ties the spaces together in a thoughtful and cohesive manner.
Furthermore, the house orients itself deliberately to capture views in almost every direction. Consequently, outdoor rooms offer varying degrees of protection from the sun, rain, and wind, depending on the season and time of day. In addition, rustic steel accents on the exterior transition smoothly into serene, muted interior finishes in shades of white and gray. Likewise, a continuous plywood soffit runs along both the interior and exterior, visually linking the two and reinforcing unity throughout the design.
Although Wandling House embraces a simple form, clever details inject personality and scale into the design. For example, the steel “feet” at the doubled glulam columns provide structural support and add visual interest. Moreover, tactile materials such as steel and plywood contribute to a grounded, robust feel. At the same time, the white interior walls offer a clean backdrop for a collection of large, colorful paintings, which bring life and vibrancy to the space.
Ultimately, Wandling House strikes a balance between rugged practicality and refined elegance, making it a truly unique and inviting retreat on the ranch.
