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 space, rather they desired an improved experience.

The existing home lacked a coherent character and turned its back on panoramic views of the Salish Sea, the Cascade Range, and Mount Baker. The architect’s design solution was built upon what the home appeared to want to be, a simple farmhouse while improving interior spatial relationships, solar access, and views of the surroundings.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECTURE Heliotrope Architects CONTRACTOR Con Russell

The scope consisted of re-framing the roof and porch to accommodate new dormer windows and a modified roof form, which opened up the second floor to sunlight and views while improving this 2,300-square-foot home’s overall character.

On the main floor, a 30-foot-long steel beam was inserted to provide a column-free opening between the living spaces and the porch.

This opening is infilled minimally, with a custom wood storefront and lift-slide door systems allowing for a seamless indoor/outdoor connection.

This intervention also adds an important contemporary counterpoint to an otherwise fairly traditional farmhouse vernacular. Interiors further reinforce this duality between a traditional and contemporary formal vocabulary.

What We Love: This modern farmhouse retreat is nested along the waterfront of Orcas Island, providing idyllic views. A wonderful indoor-outdoor connection allows the occupants to enjoy fresh sea breezes while feeling connected with nature. The renovation has transformed this home into a warm and inviting escape with modernized living spaces and plenty of room to host overnight guests in comfort and style.

Tell Us: What details in this renovation project do you find most appealing? Please share your thoughts in the Comments, we enjoy reading your feedback!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the architects of this project, Heliotrope Architects: Buck Mountain cabin perched cliffside to soak in views of the San Juan Islands and This peaceful Orcas Island retreat is in perfect harmony with nature.

Outside, the landscape was heavily re-worked and an unsightly fire circle removed and replaced with a sunken fire-pit, situated near the edge of the cliff. This removed it from the porch view while providing a spectacular place to sit by the fire sheltered from southerly winds.

PHOTOGRAPHER Sean Airhart

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