San Juan Cliffside

San Juan Cliffside
© Jay Goodrich

SAN JUAN CLIFFSIDE

Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects

PHOTOGRAPHS
Jay Goodrich

AREA
2500 ft²

YEAR
2010

LOCATION
San Juan Island, United States

CATEGORY
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

The project site is located on a forested ridge on San Juan Island. The steep topography created both design and construction challenges.

San Juan Cliffside
© Jay Goodrich
San Juan Cliffside
© Jay Goodrich

The project is divided into two structures. The smaller structure houses a studio, office, and garage. The larger structure is a primary residence for a couple.

They are connected by a garden derived from the existing harsh terrain and a Japanese garden concept which moves one from the entry gate up the 10 feet to the entry door.

San Juan Cliffside
© Jay Goodrich
San Juan Cliffside
© Jay Goodrich

Sited on the edge of a forested bluff overlooking the Coast of San Juan Island, the main residence is composed of two volumes.

In response to the steep site one volume is embedded into the bluff forming the foundation then extending vertically to mark the entry and define a series of exterior spaces.

The gabled volume is turned off the foundation extending out to the support of a concrete chimney.

The Multi-axial configuration is oriented to define views from the indoor rooms and create a connection to the landscape through a variety of exterior spaces on and below the volumes.

San Juan Cliffside
© Jay Goodrich
San Juan Cliffside
© Jay Goodrich

The separate studio and garage structure are sited to define the entry to the site.

Walls extend from the various structures to frame view and define a progression through the natural landscape to the entry of the main residence.

San Juan Cliffside
© Jay Goodrich


San Juan Cliffside
Main Floor Plan
San Juan Cliffside
Lower Floor Plan
San Juan Cliffside
Site Plan