Heliotrope Architects recently renovated this modern waterfront farmhouse retreat, tucked away on a remote property on Orcas Island, off the coast of Washington State. In updating the interior and exterior, the design firm opened up the home to scenic water and mountain views, which had been previously closed off. The owners did not need more […]
Orcas Island
This peaceful Orcas Island retreat is in perfect harmony with nature
This peaceful island retreat was designed by Heliotrope Architects, located on Orcas Island, Washington, part of the San Juan Islands archipelago that sits in the Salish Sea/Strait of Juan de Fuca between the USA and Canada. This 3,000-square-foot retreat residence is on a 26-acre site comprising a mature Douglas fir and Pacific madrone forest, with […]
Buck Mountain cabin perched cliffside to soak in views of the San Juan Islands
Heliotrope Architects designed this contemporary mountaintop cabin to take advantage of the spectacular setting of Buck Mountain while also preserving it. Nestled into the steep hillside, this Orcas Island hideaway lies in the heart of the San Juan Islands in Washington State. The site brought about several challenges, this included a steep grade and a […]
An elegant and sophisticated waterfront house on Washington’s Orcas Island
This spectacular waterfront house designed by Syndicate Smith is nestled along Deer Harbor, a town on the southwest side of beautiful Orcas Island, in Washington State. Constructed in a contemporary, yet distinctly Pacific Northwest style, this family home is idyllically set just steps away from the Salish Sea. This dwelling was constructed to coexist harmoniously […]
This Orcas Island retreat enjoys a minimalist lifestyle surrounded by forest
This Orcas Island retreat designed by Heliotrope Architects is a second home for a couple who own and operate a gallery in Los Angeles, California. The owners retail gallery features a curated collection of west-coast artists. They desired a retreat with the feel of a contemporary art gallery, with plenty of wall space to display a rotation […]
Compact cabin perched on a rocky bluff overlooking the Washington Coast
This cozy and compact cabin was designed by Johnston Architects, located on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands of Washington State. Despite its compact size of just 1,200 square feet, this home lives large. The extension of the roof over the deck columns and beams define an intermediate space both inside and out. The height […]
Idyllic coastal getaway with sustainable features nestled on Orcas Island
Heliotrope Architects have designed the North Beach Residence, a coastal getaway on Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands, off the Washington coast. This 2,400-square-foot family retreat is set on a northwesterly oriented beach, facing the Strait of Georgia to provide incredible views. The property includes second-growth Douglas firs, a beech grove and a grassy meadow […]
Idyllic modern shelter for family getaways on wind-swept Orcas Island
This modern jewel-box home is designed by Heliotrope Architects in collaboration with Ore Studios, located on Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands, Washington. Nestled carefully a rocky, wind-swept shoreline; this 1,600 square foot family retreat harmonizes with the surrounding landscape while minimizing weather exposure. The main living spaces connect to the landscape […]
Modern rustic retreat designed to feel like a summer camp on Orcas Island
This modern rustic retreat was designed by DeForest Architects in collaboration with NB Design Group, located on Orcas Island, Washington. Orcas Island is the largest of the San Juan Islands, which are located in the northwestern corner of Washington state. The homeowner’s purchased this property to use as a large extended family gathering spot. On the […]
Dreamy Orcas Island retreat set atop a bluff with coastal views
This amazing retreat with transitional style interiors was designed by Seattle-based Peter Stoner Architects, located on Orcas Island, the largest of the San Juan Islands, Washington. Set right at the water’s edge high atop a bluff, this two-story home showcases stunning water views. It’s secluded private location lends to offering the home’s inhabitants the perfect space […]