An Alaskan Retreat Captures the Majesty of the Surrounding Wilderness
Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects frames panoramic views of the Tongass National Forest with two soaring, glass-fronted volumes.
Houses We Love: Every day we feature a remarkable space submitted by our community of architects, designers, builders, and homeowners.
Project Details:
Location: Ketchikan, Alaska
Architect: Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
Year Built: 2021
Footprint: 1,640 square feet
Lot Size: 0.61 acres
From the Architect: "Tongass Ledge sits gently perched over the Alaskan shore. Standing at the edge of the vibrant Tongass Narrow, the Ledge is the perfect lookout for a nature lover. Overlooking inlet waters and balanced at the edge of a rock wall, two volumes at a subtle angle capture the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Designed for a busy client who splits time between Seattle and Ketchikan, the complete design required a simple form and program, personalized through highly custom interiors."
Clerestory windows create a sense of openness, and bring in additional light.
Courtesy of Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
The living space, like the primary bedroom, is cantilevered and features large expanses of glass that capture panoramic views of the surrounding wild landscape.
Courtesy of Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
Get the Pro Newsletter
What’s new in the design world? Stay up to date with our essential dispatches for design professionals.
Industrial-leaning architectural materials work in unexpected harmony with softer, more refined design elements. The painted black window frames and concrete floors reflect the ruggedness of Ketchikan.
Courtesy of Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
The wood stove and concrete hearth shelter a built-in reading nook, providing a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
Courtesy of Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
Thoughtfully placed elements, including built-in storage throughout, create a beautifully functional house.
Courtesy of Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
The one-inch-by-one-inch tile continues across the exhaust hood, providing a textured backdrop for the kitchen.
Courtesy of Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
Touches like mixed metals and custom cabinetry infuse the home with the client’s personality.
Courtesy of Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
Openings on the landward side are carefully placed to preserve privacy while still bringing in natural light.
Courtesy of Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
Locally sourced cedar siding continues from exterior through the interior, emphasizing the indoor/outdoor lifestyle encouraged by the natural beauty of the area.
Courtesy of Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
While the landward side of the house has fewer openings to create privacy, the seaward side uses floor-to-ceiling glazing to emphasize living on the water.
Courtesy of Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
The primary bedroom is an ideal place to wake up to the sights and sounds of the Alaskan wilderness.
Courtesy of Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
Custom details and natural light throughout create a calm atmosphere in every room.
Courtesy of Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
Simple forms and materials blend with the surrounding natural elements.
Courtesy of Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
An outdoor deck fills the space between the two main volumes of the structure, additionally separating public and private programming.
Courtesy of Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects
Published