Rattlesnake Residence

Located in a forested neighborhood at the bottom of a deep mountain valley, this family home makes the most of its limited views and semi-natural setting. A small site combined with challenging topography and a natural drainage swale running through the center informed the compact nature of the design. Each of the three “wedges” contains a different function and viewshed. In combination, they echo the surrounding jumbled mountain peaks. By focusing views to specific natural scenes, the home gives the impression that it is in a far more rural setting. An open interior encompasses occupants with natural light, allowing daylight to pass from the highest windows down to the basement through floor openings at the entry level.

One enters the home into a double height circulation space with a framed view of Mount Jumbo. To the right is the great room with open plan living, kitchen, and dining areas under a tall sloping ceiling. Large south facing windows and patio doors open up to the sunny backyard. To the left of the entry is a two-story sleeping wing which contains a den and master suite on the first floor and two additional bedrooms, bathroom, and a south facing roof deck on the second floor. A natural drainage swale divides the home from the garage and is bridged by a suspended hallway into the mudroom. The daylight basement holds mechanical equipment, storage, and a guest suite with a private kitchenette, bedroom, and bathroom.