Outdoors

The “Casita” gave the family 1,095 square feet of extra space, and has multiple functions, including flexible space for guests, a home office where they can host firm meetings, and an exercise area with a traditional Finnish sauna.

The view from the courtyard at the Casita, added in 2020.

The patio outside the primary suite is made of bluestone pavers. The gabion walls were “a cost-effective way to build retaining walls, which we needed because of the slope, and for privacy,” says David.

The covered patio creates an indoor/outdoor flow conducive to the PNW climate. The table is surrounded by Blu-Dot chairs and the hanging light is from Urban Electric.

The architect couple's h

“I skewed the plan so that my house is oriented to the meadow and the creek, and they’re oriented to the meadow and the mountain,” Schicketanz says.

After entering through a gate, the home's charred spruce siding presents a somber face.

The single-volume home has been designed to appear to float over the lot on its deck. Ryan upgraded the existing foundation to support its passive design. "Originally, I wanted to make the whole house powered with wood pellets," he says. "But I decided against shoveling pellets in the snow. I'll get weird in a little bit less of a cold climate."

Designed for indoor/outdoor living, the Sherman Residence wraps around an inner courtyard with a swimming pool.

Repositioning the original staircase transforms the new apartment, created the experience of a continuous second floor while adding a hidden study beneath the stairs, which lead to the downstairs bedroom.