Saturna Dwelling

The idea behind the design is to fit the dwelling into the site in a humble way and experience the landscape in all its drama. The original landscape spoke deeply to us and we wanted to keep the architecture and landscape in constant communication with each other.

The concept of a dwelling structure floating above the bluff worked out very well. The design of the residence is a simple one. It’s a rectangular box positioned on a long wall of concrete that acts like an artificial rock face inspired by and referring to the linear natural rock faces already existing in the geography of the bluff. The house design is one open space with a surface of about 1000 sq. ft. Within the one space different subspaces are created by a central unit which houses the kitchen, the bathroom and walk-in closet.

The site is elevated high above the ocean on a 100-foot cliff overlooking the San Juan Islands. The house blends into the landscape of Douglas Firs and Shore Pines.
The house is the lens through which the landscape is seen and connected to. The elevated birch floor in the house seamlessly flows into the outdoor bluff through the disappearing windowsill. The infinity effect of the windows allows us to feel connected to the grass bluff and the old windswept Douglas Fir trees.

This amazing landscape needs only minimal and subtle landscaping. The design consists of a few lines and gentle composing to activate the beauty of the site. The hardscaping is comprised of sandstone harvested on site and used in different ways, as well as a floating terrace of local cedar lumber and concrete tiles. The planting includes a base of native and local trees, shrubs, grasses, and perennials together with a subtle selection of more non-invasive cultivated bulbs, perennials, and biennials. All is serving the natural identity of the landscape by not taking away from the natural carpet and ecosystem but adding to and enriching it.