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Tongass Ledge

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Location
Ketchikan, Alaska
Year
2021
Structure
House (Single Residence)
Style
Modern
Clerestory windows above the eyeline create a sense of unlimited views outward.
Clerestory windows above the eyeline create a sense of unlimited views outward.
The wood stove and concrete hearth shelter a built-in reading nook, providing a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
The wood stove and concrete hearth shelter a built-in reading nook, providing a cozy and relaxing atmosphere.
Thoughtfully placed elements, including built-in storage throughout, create a beautifully functional and well-sized house.
Thoughtfully placed elements, including built-in storage throughout, create a beautifully functional and well-sized house.
The cantilevered primary bedroom and living space both feature large expanses of glass that open up panoramic views of the surrounding wild landscape.
The cantilevered primary bedroom and living space both feature large expanses of glass that open up panoramic views of the surrounding wild landscape.
Windows that extend from floor to ceiling provide treehouse-like vantage points from the living room and primary bedroom.
Windows that extend from floor to ceiling provide treehouse-like vantage points from the living room and primary bedroom.
Industrial-leaning architectural materials work in unexpected harmony with softer, more refined design elements. The painted black windows and concrete floors reflect the ruggedness of Ketchikan.
Industrial-leaning architectural materials work in unexpected harmony with softer, more refined design elements. The painted black windows and concrete floors reflect the ruggedness of Ketchikan.
Locally-sourced cedar siding continues from exterior through the interior, emphasizing the indoor/outdoor lifestyle encouraged by the natural beauty of the area.
Locally-sourced cedar siding continues from exterior through the interior, emphasizing the indoor/outdoor lifestyle encouraged by the natural beauty of the area.
Touches like mixed metals and custom cabinetry infuse the home with the client's personality.
Touches like mixed metals and custom cabinetry infuse the home with the client's personality.
Openings on the landward side are carefully placed to preserve privacy while still bringing in natural light.
Openings on the landward side are carefully placed to preserve privacy while still bringing in natural light.
The 1"x1" tile continues across the exhaust hood, providing a textured backdrop for the kitchen.
The 1"x1" tile continues across the exhaust hood, providing a textured backdrop for the kitchen.
Custom details and natural light throughout create a calm atmosphere in every room.
Custom details and natural light throughout create a calm atmosphere in every room.
The primary bedroom is an ideal place to wake up to the sights and sounds of the Alaskan wilderness.
The primary bedroom is an ideal place to wake up to the sights and sounds of the Alaskan wilderness.
The two cantilevered forms create perfect perches from which to observe the native wildlife.
The two cantilevered forms create perfect perches from which to observe the native wildlife.
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.
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.
Simple forms and materials are used to withstand the elements as well as playing a role of backdrop to the existing elements.
Simple forms and materials are used to withstand the elements as well as playing a role of backdrop to the existing elements.
Perched just above the edge of the Narrows, the house is an ideal place to live surrounded by the wild beauty of Ketchikan.
Perched just above the edge of the Narrows, the house is an ideal place to live surrounded by the wild beauty of Ketchikan.
An outdoor deck fills the space between the two main volumes of the structure, additionally separating public and private programming.
An outdoor deck fills the space between the two main volumes of the structure, additionally separating public and private programming.

Details

Square Feet
1640
Lot Size
.61 acres
Bedrooms
2
Full Baths
2

Credits

Posted by
Architect
Interior Design
Emily Knudsen
Builder
Marble Construction
Photographer
Andrew Pogue

From Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects

The house sits perched over the Alaskan shore. Balanced at the edge of a rock wall the two volumes are angled and set apart to capture the expansive views of the surrounding coastline. Designed for a client who splits time between her dental offices in Seattle and Ketchikan, the simple form and program are a retreat from a busy life.

The form is defined by two tall, shed roof structures connected by a knuckle serving as both the main entry to the home and a protected outdoor deck. The front door and adjacent mudroom are kept mostly opaque by tree coverage and minimal openings to create a sense of seclusion from neighbors. Along the west side of the home, the primary bedroom and living room extend as cantilevers over the rock wall below, giving a sense of floating above the water.

The interiors are deeply infused with the client’s personality. Natural materials work in harmony with softer, more refined design elements. Locally sourced wood siding continues from the exterior to the interior walls, meeting black metal windows. Contrasting elements like concrete floors and hearth, painted kitchen cabinets, and mosaic tile are woven together in unexpected harmony. Elements inspired by the rugged town of Ketchikan mix with elegant details to form a place perfect for taking in the surprises of the Alaskan wilderness; diving sea birds, seals, and often humpback whales can be observed from the warmth of this observatory.