Fort Ward Bunker House

Site

A hilltop occupied by a decommissioned military bunker – the fire control station for Gunnery Nash at Fort Ward at the south end of Bainbridge Island. The purchase price of the property was set based on the assumption that substantial costs would be incurred removing the circa 1904 bunker to allow for construction of a new residence.

Program

A new single family residence with lots of storage.

Solution

Rather than battle the bunker, an alliance was made. A concrete garage is aligned with the bunker, and together they serve as the base of the house. The primary living spaces are placed on a steel frame above. Within the house, storage zones flank the living spaces. The kitchen, stair, and service areas form a core within the open plan. An open stair connects to the bedroom floor above. A slot along the floor of the upper landing links the two floors spatially while offering the kids a lookout over the kitchen and living room. The restored bunker – no longer in service of coastal defense – is now the world’s coolest play fort.

Recognition

21st Century Houses: 150 of the World's Best

by Robyn Beaver

Arcade

"Our Clients..."

Coast Defense Study Group

"Fort Ward Bunker House"

Dwell.com

"A Cantilevered Bainbridge Island Home"

Seattle Homes & Lifestyles

"Lookout Below"

The Week

"The Most Stunning Real Estate Listings of 2019"

West Coast Modern

by Zahid Sardar & Matthew Millman

Credits

General Contractor

Robert W Thomas Construction, Inc.

Structural Engineer

Quantum Consulting Engineers

Photography

Jim Van Gundy & E|FA