This spectacular modern glass house was designed by MW Works Architecture+Design, located on Whidbey Island, in Puget Sound, north of Seattle, Washington. Out of respect for turn-of-the-century farm buildings on the site, this 4,420 square foot dwelling is nestled into the forest.
Perched on a low hill, this refuge overlooks existing buildings, bucolic cattle fields, a cat-tail edged pond, and the forest itself. The house forms around a courtyard of natural grasses and ferns, with rooms interwoven between mature cedar and fir. A low wall of stacked natural stone organizes the building and hints at the perimeter of the courtyard.
The dwelling was designed as both getaway home and part-time residence for every generation of a large local family. Intended for summer BBQs, fishing retreats, and grand holiday gatherings, the house was designed to be flexible and durable.
With a palette of naturally weathered woods, concrete, stone walls, and black steel accents, the house strives to be warm and rustic, simple and open – a house that honors both the forest and agricultural heritage of the site.
What We Love: This striking glass house on Whidbey Island provides a refuge to enjoy the wonderful nature that surrounds it. The house connects with its surrounding environment through expansive walls of glass, gravel, and wood pathways, linking the different sections. Overall, this home has been designed to be comfortable and flexible, designed for rest and relaxation while accomodating both two people and up to 20!
Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this home? If this was your getaway, are there any details you would change? Let us know in the Comments!
Note: Have a look at a couple of other fantastic home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the architects of this project, MW Works Architecture: Converted barn house offers idyllic getaway in foothills of East Cascades and Case Inlet Retreat with amazing views over Puget Sound.
Above: In the living room, the sectional is by Focus One Home.
Above: In the kitchen, custom cabinetry is composed of mixed-grain teak, while the countertops are honed Balsatina.
Above: Suspended above the custom dining table are Davide Groppi MISS LED metal pendant lamps by Omar Carraglia.
There is a four-bedroom main house and a barrack for many grandchildren and guests, volumes that come together as a whole thanks to the patio, which becomes the visual and physical link between the different modules, providing access and connection, but offering separation and removal when desired.
Above: On the exterior facade, stained red cedar, concrete, and basalt— all durable materials that blend seamlessly with the landscape.
Above: This red barn is original to the property, where the family used to congregate when they visited the farm. Minor renovations were made to the barn to make it livable, yet they were in need of a more functional and spacious dwelling.
Photos: Kevin Scott
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