This fascinating modern retreat was designed by Seattle-based architects Olson Kundig in collaboration with Geremia Design, located on Washington’s San Juan Islands. Nestled in idyllic False Bay, this home features an open layout with floor-to-ceiling windows framing picturesque views of Haro Strait and the Olympic Mountains. The home was designed to accomodate the owner’s active lifestyle and passion for the outdoors.
“There were existing agricultural buildings on site, so we thought the house could take its cue directly from those vernacular structures—steeply pitched roof, open interior, loft space and overall height,” states the architects. The architecture and warm palette – old, rush, dark metal, set against the lush blue, cool bay, set the tone for the palette, materials and pieces selected. There is also a small 500-square-foot writer’s cabin on this property, which is featured towards the end of this house tour.
Light and solar heat gain can be adjusted with four, 20-foot-tall exterior sliding wood shutters that extend across the entire west facade. Deep roof overhangs also provide shade and cover from direct sunlight and storms, while the hopper window above the entry door helps to naturally ventilate the house.
The spirit of efficiency extends to the limited material palette—wood, concrete, steel—simple, relatively low maintenance materials that, paired with energy-efficient glass and ready access to light-filled spaces, reduce the impact on the environment.
What We Love: This modern retreat offers a compact yet spacious floor plan to accomodate family and friends to enjoy the idyllic San Juan Islands. Designer furnishings and beautiful artwork adds to the overall comfort and aesthetic of this island getaway. We are especially loving the writer’s cabin, a fabulous space to gather inspiration… Readers, please share with us in the Comments what you think of the design of this unique home!
Note: Be sure to click on the “Related” tags below to see more home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the architects of this project, Olson Kundig.
Above: A soaring 15-foot high pivoting entry door opens to reveal a breathtaking view of the Sound through double-height windows. The owners vision for their modern home was to create living spaces catering to entertaining friends and relaxing as a family. The architects devised a compact plan that groups spaces for efficiency, while minimizing unnecessary circulation.
Above: In the entryway is an iconic Block Bench for Two by John Eric Byers. This piece is hand-carved out of blackened maple and finished with milk paint and lacquer.
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Above: Double-height windows in the living room showcase the picturesque bay and illuminate the silk Tai Ping rust carpet. Coffee Bean tables by by Holly Hunt sit next to a custom Living Divani sofa. The open shelving credenzas were designed to align with the window mullions. Artwork was sourced from Seattle galleries, including the Amir Zaki waterfall photograph that is pictured above.
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Above: Concrete flooring is used throughout the main living spaces.
Above: In the kitchen, green soapstone countertops and backsplash pay tribute to the surrounding landscape. The oak veneer cabinets are custom, along with the hardware by Olson Kundig.
Above: The loft space is open to the main living area below. There is a bedroom on each level, separated from the public spaces.
Above: When not in use, a built-in desk can be hidden from view courtesy of pocket hinge doors.
Above: The bed is custom, composed of leather and steel, a collaboration between the interior designer and fabricator Tod Von Mertens.
Above: The master bedroom features a striking rolled-steel and Thassos marble fireplace.
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Above: This modern retreat provides idyllic views of the bay from both indoors and out.
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Above: A 500-square-foot writer’s retreat is also on this property, featuring a custom shutter deck enclosure when the structure is not in use. To view the full tour of this writer’s cabin along with a project description, have a look here: Tiny modern cabin features glass walls on the San Juan Islands.
Above: The interior of this writer’s retreat offers a cozy sitting area with floor-to-ceiling windows for inspiration. The rotatable fireplace enables warmth and ambiance to be enjoyed both indoors and out.
Photos: Aaron Leitz Photography
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