With views to Shag Rock near Guthrie Cove, this design was a fun collaboration with a Master Inventor and an Artist. For their steep waterfront property, the couple desired a simple and compact residence with flexible spaces that could be easily shared with guests. The house was made to embrace Orcas weather during all its seasons – rain or shine. Two colorful and simple shed-roofed wings stack up the hillside, and flank an upland open and lofty outdoor covered entry that is sheltered from storms and perfect for watching rain.

At the Entry, the shed roofs cascade inward to direct all of the roof runoff to a two story rainchain and concrete basin that collects irrigation water. Broad overhangs on the south, water-facing side help control intense summer sun.

The colorful shed volumes, in massing and material, continue into the house and flank a dramatic two story dining room. On the East side, red siding marks the Master suite with a more intimately scaled kitchen space below.

On the West side, green siding marks an Office and a Media Room that also double as two separate guest quarters. To maximize daylight to each room, particularly on dark winter days, interior barn doors open from each wing into the central space to create a loft-like interior. these openings can be closed up for more privacy.

Below the Office, a cozy Living Room is framed with exposed post and beam structure. A media wall is stored behind red barn doors over a low-slung gas fireplace set in masonry. Built-in seating is tucked into the area below an open-framed stair.

Overhead, a light and airy bridgeway made from spaced 2x4s and electrical conduit spans between the two wings. The stair to the bridgeway wraps itself around a two- story wall of storage with open cubbies for books and display.

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