Hillside shelter provides a feeling of tranquility on the San Juan Islands

By One Kindesign March 19, 2020

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This stunning coastal hillside shelter was designed by Hoedemaker Pfeiffer, located on the San Juan Islands, an archipelago in the state of Washington. The owner of this property wished to create a retreat inspired by a beloved stone Appalachian home lost to fire some time ago. For the architects, they were not looking to recreate the home of the past but to capture the spirit of it in this new home in the Pacific Northwest.

Taking inspiration from the remote site, the project team conceived both the main house and guest house as simple stone structures growing naturally from their rugged surroundings. The steeply sloping site and the presence of a road directly behind it suggested a stone plinth and stone wall to form the base and rear of the house. A pair of massive stone fireplaces rising together within the home’s interior enhanced the concept, separating the main level into public and private realms flanking a central stone staircase.

Above: A shed roof with deep overhangs helps to shelter the home during the summer months while offering space for a photovoltaic array above. In turn, during the winter months, light floods deep into the main living spaces courtesy of a wall of continuous glass along the structure’s south elevation.

What We Love: This beautiful hillside shelter provides its inhabitants with a welcoming getaway to retreat with family and friends. Idyllic views are in abundance on this incredible site and maximized with large walls of glass. Living spaces are designed to be warm and inviting with exquisite material selections and comfortable furnishings conducive for rest and relaxation.

Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this home? Would you this home be your idea of the ultimate sanctuary? Tell us why or why not in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have featured here on One Kindesign from the portfolio of the architects of this project, Beach house retreat with cozy farmhouse style on Whidbey Island and LEED Silver family retreat nestled on the shoreline of Vashon Island.

Above: In the kitchen, the countertop material is Classic Basaltina.

Above: The guest house presented some significant challenges to the project team. The stone structure is set into the hillside, presenting incredible views over Puget Sound.

Above: In the guest house, the dining room is encased in glass, appearing to float in a forest of trees. Two steel beams support the weight of this space, extending deep into the floor system. To enhance this concept, trees were preserved just a few feet from this dining space.