Slideshow: Gulf Islands House
In late 2000, architect Matthew Woodruff’s wife, Claudia, was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. After her treatment, the couple packed their bags and drove from Vancouver to Mexico, hoping to clear their heads and rethink their lives together. Important decisions emerged from those three weeks on the road: “We decided we wanted a family, and we decided that we wanted a foil to our hectic urban life” Matthew told me.
Two years ago, the couple completed The Gulf Islands House – a small, two-bedroom home they now share with their young daughters. Nestled in the midst of an apple orchard, the house overlooks a valley and nearby ocean. A southwest orientation keeps it warm and bright, while an overhang provides shade in summer and lets in the low, winter sun (the black-painted exterior also attracts heat during the colder months). Ever eco-conscious, Matthew used locally harvested Douglas Fir for the flooring, beams, columns, and doors.
The family spends most of their time in the kitchen, an open space that includes the living and dining areas. Inexpensive Ikea cabinets are paired with high-end appliances, like a Dornbracht tap, Jenn-Air fridge, and AEG oven. A 16-foot long counter gives Matthew ample room to do the cooking and baking he enjoys.
Two years ago, the couple completed The Gulf Islands House – a small, two-bedroom home they now share with their young daughters. Nestled in the midst of an apple orchard, the house overlooks a valley and nearby ocean. A southwest orientation keeps it warm and bright, while an overhang provides shade in summer and lets in the low, winter sun (the black-painted exterior also attracts heat during the colder months). Ever eco-conscious, Matthew used locally harvested Douglas Fir for the flooring, beams, columns, and doors.
The family spends most of their time in the kitchen, an open space that includes the living and dining areas. Inexpensive Ikea cabinets are paired with high-end appliances, like a Dornbracht tap, Jenn-Air fridge, and AEG oven. A 16-foot long counter gives Matthew ample room to do the cooking and baking he enjoys.
View a Slideshow of Gulf Islands House
Posted by: Audrey Tempelsman on May 5, 08 at 07:40 PM PDT
