X

A compact home on a bluff boasts picturesque views on Whidbey Island

compact-island-house-exterior

This spectacular compact home was designed by Shed Architects, perched on a high bank waterfront property on Whidbey Island, Washington. Created with both views and privacy, this home also has a flex space for a couple who is slowly transitioning into their retirement years.

A shed roof provides refuge to 915 square feet of living space with a 281 square foot flex space. There is also a “dogtrot” — a sheltered breezeway that overlooks Saratoga Passage with views to Mt Baker and the Cascade Mountains.

DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT Shed Architects CONTRACTOR Jade Craftsman Builders STRUCTURAL ENGINEER Davido Consulting Group INTERIOR DESIGN Signe Sterner

compact-island-house-exterior

The house was sited to not only take advantage of the views, but also create privacy from neighbors and a busy rural road. The architects took on this challenge by positioning the house just west of an existing garage, creating a forecourt that serves as a rain garden and landscaped buffer to the parking area and road.

The structure consists of three parts: a concrete plinth that cascades down to the site as steps, wood-framed volumes dimensioned by timber bents, and a large shed roof inclined to the view.

compact-island-house-pathway

A wood boardwalk leads to the breezeway, which gives access to the living and flex rooms and allows passage through to the waterside of the house.

compact-island-house-entry

When designing this refuge, the challenge was to create a compact shelter for that is budget-friendly, low-maintenance, and maximizes the natural beauty of its surroundings. Additionally, the home needed extra space to host family and friends, hobbies, music, and a home office.

compact-island-house-entry

This refuge is separated into two sections via the dogtrot — one with the primary suite, living, kitchen, and dining area, and the flex space. Both zones live under one roof while maintaining a direct circulation to the water.

compact-island-house-entry

An exterior bench continues into the entry along a concrete wall while careful detailing of windows and doors connects the interior of the house to the outside.

modern-cabin-living-room

The owners were highly collaborative in the selection of interior finishes and fixtures, in particular the design of a concrete and steel fireplace and bench as well as the reading nook’s steel shelving. Utilizing a limited material palette, this refuge seeks to amplify the experience of living on the site through an economy of means.

modern-cabin-living-room

What We Love: This compact home provides a soon to be retired couple with an incredible island escape. With fabulous views of Puget Sound and beyond to the mountains, this would make for a relaxing refuge. We are loving the compact yet spacious layout of this home. The project team did a fabulous job of creating a comfortable and inviting shelter for the owners and their guests.

Tell Us: Would this island house be your idea of the ultimate place to retire? Let us know your thoughts in the Comments below!

Note: Have a look at a couple of other fantastic Whidbey Island home tours that have been featured here on One Kindesign: Charming beach cottage on Whidbey Island gets beautifully refreshed and Glass house surrounded by a tranquil forest setting on Whidbey Island.

modern-cabin-kitchen

modern-cabin-hall

modern-cabin-bedroom

modern-cabin-bathroom

modern-cabin-family-room

The exterior facade of the shelter is protective of the interior featuring narrow vertical and horizontal slot windows cut into the stained cedar siding. The house is a singular, orderly form with a separated reading nook bump-out on the side.

PHOTOGRAPHER Rafael Soldi

compact-island-house-floor-plan

You are reading an article curated by https://onekindesign.com/

Subscribe
Notify of

2 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Molly Porter
2 years ago

Beautiful place with just the right amount of space for my needs. I wonder what their idea of budget friendly is? Are the architects’ plans available to purchase?

Suzie
2 years ago

Nice house! Well done! Love
The wood with the steel. Spot on!