False Bay Residence
False Bay Residence
Olson Kundig
ARCHITECTS
Olson Kundig
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Aaron Leitz, Benjamin Benschneider
PROJECT TEAM
Kirsten R. Murray, FAIA, Design Principal; Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA, Design Mentor; Todd Matthes, Project Architect; Michelle Hamilton, LEED® AP, and Derek Santo, LEED® AP BD+C, Architectural Staff
KEY CONSULTANTS
Lowe Construction, General Contractor; MCE Structural Consultants, Structural Engineer; Island Gardens Company, Landscape Architect; Lighting Designs, Inc., Lighting Design; Geremia Design, Interior Design; GEM Welding & Fabrication, Fabricator
BUDGET
Undisclosed
SIZE
1000 sqft - 3000 sqft
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2009
LOCATION
San Juan County, WA, United States
CATEGORY
Residential › Private House
This single-family home is situated to maximize sweeping views of Haro Strait and the Olympic Mountains.
A 15-foot-tall opaque entry door pivots open to reveal a view of the Sound through a double-height glazed living and dining space.
The owners envisioned a home for both entertaining friends and relaxing as a family.
The compact plan groups spaces for efficiency and minimizes unnecessary circulation.
“There were existing agricultural buildings on site, so we thought the house could take its cue directly from those vernacular structures—steeply pitched roof, open interior, loft space and overall height.” –Kirsten R. Murray, FAIA, Design Principal
Light and solar heat gain can be adjusted with four, 20-foot-tall exterior sliding wood shutters that extend across the entire west facade.
Deep roof overhangs also provide shade and cover from direct sunlight and storms, while the hopper window above the entry door helps to naturally ventilate the house.
The spirit of efficiency extends to the limited material palette—wood, concrete, steel—simple, relatively low maintenance materials that, paired with energy-efficient glass and ready access to light-filled spaces, reduce the impact on the environment.
