Connection with the surrounding forest. Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects
13/07/2021.
[Orcas Island] USA
metalocus, ANNA CLARA BARROS
metalocus, ANNA CLARA BARROS
Heliotrope Architects designed the Suncrest Residence, a single-family home located in the Orcas Islands, Washington State, United States. The project is located in a unique landscape where the Salish Sea and the forest meet.
The dwelling allows the existing natural vegetation to become an integral part of the project while optimizing the views towards the water. The proposal has the objective of minimizing the impacts of the site and creating an intimate connection with the land and the view.
The dwelling allows the existing natural vegetation to become an integral part of the project while optimizing the views towards the water. The proposal has the objective of minimizing the impacts of the site and creating an intimate connection with the land and the view.
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Ben Schneider
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Ben Schneider
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Ben Schneider
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Sean Airhart
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Ben Schneider
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Ben Schneider
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Ben Schneider
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Ben Schneider
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Ben Schneider
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Ben Schneider
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Ben Schneider
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Sean Airhart
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Sean Airhart
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Ben Schneider
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Ben Schneider
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Ben Schneider
Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects. Photography by Sean Airhart
Regional view diagram. Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects.
Site plan diagram. Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects.
Site plan. Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects.
Ground floor plan and lower level plan. Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects.
Section. Suncrest by Heliotrope Architects.
The Suncrest Residence designed by Heliotrope Architects is wrapped around a prominent rocky outcrop and carefully located to require a minimum of tree removal. The long and narrow footprint of the house allows each room to have a view of the sea while maintaining a strong connection to the landscape. Strict site access protocols were implemented during construction to minimize site disturbance.
The project works with the clients' favorite materials: wood and concrete. The color palette used for the construction was chosen to harmonize with the colors and textures of the natural environment and is made up of forest wood (Douglas fir and strawberry tree), concrete, zinc, steel, and glass. The interiors highlight the art that is featured throughout the home, most of which is the work of the owner.
The project works with the clients' favorite materials: wood and concrete. The color palette used for the construction was chosen to harmonize with the colors and textures of the natural environment and is made up of forest wood (Douglas fir and strawberry tree), concrete, zinc, steel, and glass. The interiors highlight the art that is featured throughout the home, most of which is the work of the owner.
Description of project by Heliotrope Architects
This 3,000-square-foot retreat residence is located on a 26-acre site comprised of a mature Douglas fir and Pacific madrone forest, with occasional rocky clearings and several small ponds. The clients sought a home that minimized site impacts, that utilized their favorite materials (wood and concrete), and that connected them intimately with the land and the view.
The home is positioned where the forest gives way to a large rocky clearing with views to the Salish Sea, a waterway straddling the United States and Canada. The house is wrapped around a prominent rock outcropping and carefully situated to require a minimum of tree removal. The long, narrow footprint of the home allows every room a view of the sea while also retaining a strong connection to the surrounding forest. The low-slung curving form helps to nestle the house into the landscape itself.
The material palette was chosen to harmonize with the colors and textures of the natural surroundings and consists of wood from the forest (Douglas fir and madrone), concrete, zinc, steel and glass. The interiors serve as a neutral background to the art featured throughout the home, most of which is the work of the owner.
Strict site access protocols were put in place for the duration of construction in order to minimize site disturbance, and the landscape has been carefully restored to a natural state.
More information
Architects
Collaborators
Lighting Designer.- Heliotrope Architects.
Interior Designer.- Heliotrope Architects with the Owners.
Structural Engineer.- Swenson Say Faget.
Landscape Architect.- Garden Artisan.
Interior Designer.- Heliotrope Architects with the Owners.
Structural Engineer.- Swenson Say Faget.
Landscape Architect.- Garden Artisan.
Builder
Area
3000 sqm.
Dates
2009.
Location
Orcas Island, Washington, USA.
Photography
Joseph Herrin, Mike Mora. Heliotrope Architects
Heliotrope Architects designs smart, contemporary works of architecture that transcend style and trend. Process driven and rigorously attentive to detail, we strive for clear, elegant solutions rooted in a thorough understanding of the social, cultural and physical qualities unique to each project. Powered by fruitful collaborations with clients, craftspeople, consultants and colleagues, the work reflects a passion for people and the various, complex places they inhabit.
Founded in 1999 by principals Mike Mora and Joe Herrin, Heliotrope has been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for their carefully crafted private residential commissions located throughout the West. Heliotrope has also developed a portfolio of highly successful restaurants, retail stores, public spaces and work environments. These projects are informed by a deep understanding of human scale and comfort, developed through decades of residential work, coupled with our passion for creating quality urban experiences.
A winner of eight prestigious AIA design awards, Heliotrope is dedicated to creating spaces and places of enduring quality and timeless beauty.
Founded in 1999 by principals Mike Mora and Joe Herrin, Heliotrope has been recognized locally, regionally and nationally for their carefully crafted private residential commissions located throughout the West. Heliotrope has also developed a portfolio of highly successful restaurants, retail stores, public spaces and work environments. These projects are informed by a deep understanding of human scale and comfort, developed through decades of residential work, coupled with our passion for creating quality urban experiences.
A winner of eight prestigious AIA design awards, Heliotrope is dedicated to creating spaces and places of enduring quality and timeless beauty.
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