David Coleman Architecture in collaboration with SBI Construction has designed this amazing alpine retreat nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, in Sultan, Washington. The angular architecture was designed for contemplating its magnificent landscape — an idyllic meadow with views of the Cascade Range.

The 1,500 square foot, one bedroom, one bathroom dwelling is surrounded by open pasture lands supporting the activities of 50 horses and 20 ponies. The homeowner, a retired aerospace engineer, and avid hiker, is not a horse enthusiast, yet fell in love with the site for its purity, simplicity, and openness.

The owner envisioned a playful, dynamic house, deeply rooted in the land, with ample opportunity for reading, watching and reflecting. To provide spaces for relaxation, the architects devised three outdoor porches. On the exterior facade, a dramatic triangular corner features an open oculus in the roof to provide shelter and sun.

At the homeowners urging, the project team explored the inclusion of several unusual features – an interior courtyard brings the outside in, an offset grid with acute angles creates dynamic spatial experiences throughout, and an exposed structure harkens back to the areas timber heritage.

The resulting structure is essentially a platform for viewing the rise and fall of the sun, the change of the seasons, and the natural beauty that flows by and through the site.

The modest interior of this alpine retreat features a living and dining area, bedroom, bathroom, laundry, home office, and a hobbyist woodworking shop. Energy efficiency was a high priority for this home. Highlights include a small footprint, energy-efficient insulation, high-efficiency glazing for the doors and windows, an on-demand water system, and utilizes a mini-split heat pump system.

What We Love: This alpine retreat features plenty of space to relax and think. An open and flowing floor plan and expansive windows throughout bring the outside inside. The design is so sculptural, and the setting is idyllic. We are loving so many of the unique design features, including the indoor courtyard and the oculus on the covered outdoor porch. With the design of three porches, this home really encourages spending time relaxing outside when the weather is ideal.

Tell Us: What do you think of the overall design of this home? Could you find yourself living here, surrounded by a sprawling 10 acres? Let us know in the Comments!

Note: Have a look at another fantastic home tour that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the architects of this home, David Coleman Architecture: Striking three-story modern dwelling in Seattle with a rooftop deck.

Above: The large quartzite kitchen island features a sink and a range.

Above: White oak flooring and simple furnishings gives this home clean lines with a minimal aesthetic.

Above: The island is 12-feet long, with white painted cabinetry trimmed with oak on either side of the island.

Above: Barn doors provide privacy for the bedroom from the main hallway. A fixed wood section is the bed’s custom headboard.

Above: In the bathroom, a wet-room style shower has a glass panel to keep the space feeling bright and airy.

Above: An interior courtyard filled with plants is protected from the elements. Windows of varying sizes on all sides helps to bring in natural light and views.

Above: The study-office is also located in the bedroom wing of this modest modern cabin. A slot window faces south, capturing breathtaking views when sitting at the desk.

Above: The oculus on this covered porch is located on the south-facing side of the home, serving as a passive solar design feature. With this deep overhang, the architects were able to design a wall of glass, helping to reduce solar radiation during the summer months.

Above: This porch is just off the bedroom wing, on the east side of the dwelling. This is an idyllic spot for enjoying a morning cup of coffee, with idyllic views out to the field.

Above: On the exterior facade, the light-colored siding (pictured above) is a fiber cement composite shiplap — the Aspyre Collection from James Hardie. The material is durable, resists rot, moisture and pests. Despite the home being modern in design, the project team focused on creating a sense of place. Not full of trendy materials and details, the architecture has a timeless quality that will not look dated a decade from now.

PHOTOGRAPHER Lara Swimmer