Silk Cavassa Marchetti Architecture & Interiors

Lopez Island Cabin

Lopez Island Cabin
Courtesy of Stuart Silk Architects

LOPEZ ISLAND CABIN

Stuart Silk Architects

CATEGORY
Houses

LOCATION
United States

YEAR
2007

DESIGN PRINCIPAL
Stuart Silk

AREA
1300.0 m²

CONTRACTOR
Schuchart/Dow

INTERIORS
Stuart Silk

PROJECT MANAGER
Lisa Sidlauskas

ENGINEER
Quantum Consulting Engineers

Text description provided by architect.

Located on 30 acres of wooded waterfront property on Lopez Island, WA, this 1,300-square-foot vacation home sits in a meadow of native grasses on a high bluff overlooking Puget Sound. The design respects the existing site, where draught-tolerant indigenous grasses and plants merge with existing boulders and engage the house so it merges seamlessly with the landscape. Native fir, cedar, and madrona trees encircle the meadow, filtering the sunlight and creating a natural privacy screen.

Lopez Island Cabin
Courtesy of Stuart Silk Architects
Lopez Island Cabin
Courtesy of Stuart Silk Architects

The approach to the house is down a gravel path from the east. The sloping roof plane - as though emerging from the earth - rises unbroken between two small towers, which contain sleeping rooms. A shed roof covers the contiguous living, dining, and kitchen areas.

A14-foot-tall wall of glass forms the western edge of the house, allowing uninterrupted views of the water and mountains. The roof cantilevers beyond the glass wall, evoking a sense of protection and blurring the distinction between interior and exterior. The roof plane floats above 360-degree clerestory windows, allowing natural light to enter the home. Countering the lightness of the roof structure, two thick masonry walls run the length of the home.

Lopez Island Cabin
Courtesy of Stuart Silk Architects
Lopez Island Cabin
Courtesy of Stuart Silk Architects

Construction grading was kept to a minimum by following the site’s natural contours. Materials and construction methods were chosen for simplicity, low maintenance, and energy conservation. Slab-on-grade construction was used for both living spaces and exterior terraces, allowing a seamless connection between interior and exterior.

Corrugated metal siding and concrete block were chosen for their durability. Concrete also acts as a thermal mass, storing daytime heat and releasing it at night. Exterior-grade birch veneer plywood lines the interior and exterior of the metal-clad roof and reflects even more natural light into the home.

Lopez Island Cabin
Courtesy of Stuart Silk Architects
Lopez Island Cabin
Courtesy of Stuart Silk Architects
Lopez Island Cabin
Courtesy of Stuart Silk Architects

The roof materials contrast with the weight of the concrete block, yet are nearly maintenance free.


Lopez Island Cabin
Elevation
Lopez Island Cabin
Elevation
Lopez Island Cabin
Elevation
Lopez Island Cabin
Elevation


Lopez Island Cabin
Site Plan
Lopez Island Cabin
Plan


Lopez Island Cabin
Section

Silk Cavassa Marchetti Architecture & Interiors
T +1 206 7289500 F +1 206 4481337
Silk Cavassa Marchetti Architecture & Interiors
2400 N 45th St UNIT 200, Seattle, WA 98103, United States