The Port Ludlow Residence is a compact, modern property situated in Port Ludlow, Washington State, designed by FINNE Architects. The home is comprised of 2,400 square feet of living space nestled on a wooded waterfront property at the north end of the Hood Canal, a long, fjord-like arm of western Puget Sound. The house creates a simple glazed living space that opens up to become a front porch to the beautiful Hood Canal.

The east-facing house is sited along a high bank, with a wonderful view of the water. The main living volume is completely glazed, with 12-ft. high glass walls facing the view and large, 8-ft.x8-ft. sliding glass doors that open to a slightly raised wood deck, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor space. During the warm summer months, the living area feels like a large, open porch. Anchoring the north end of the living space is a two-story building volume containing several bedrooms and separate his/her office spaces.

The interior finishes are simple and elegant, with IPE wood flooring, zebrawood cabinet doors with mahogany end panels, quartz and limestone countertops, and Douglas Fir trim and doors. Exterior materials are completely maintenance-free: metal siding and aluminum windows and doors. The metal siding has an alternating pattern using two different siding profiles.

The two STEN layered glass coffee tables explore the idea of natural form created with industrial technology. The tables use glass lamination to create layers of shaped, low-iron Starphire glass, which are then cut with an industrial water jet. Similarly, the steel bases are also water jet-cut, and present a contrasting pattern that is seen through the glass top. The glass is layered with varying thickness of clear and satin-etch pieces, achieving an overall edge thickness from 3/4” to 1-1/4”. The forms are inspired by the shape of large rocks and boulders, but the translation into glass creates something new: “glass rock,” without mass or density. The glass reflects light and becomes non-material. When light strikes the surface of glass, it is almost as if glass becomes light itself.

The house has a number of sustainable or “green” building features, including 2×8 construction (40% greater insulation value); generous glass areas to provide natural lighting and ventilation; large overhangs for sun and rain protection; metal siding (recycled steel) for maximum durability, and a heat pump mechanical system for maximum energy efficiency. Sustainable interior finish materials include wood cabinets, linoleum floors, low-VOC paints, and natural wool carpet.

Photos: Benjamin Benschneider