"They did a great job of just framing the view and making us feel like we are all alone here."

Kristen Morley

Morley Residence

Poulsbo, Washington

Site

Located near Agate Pass Bridge on the Inside Passage of Puget Sound, between Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island. Its waterfront site is well screened from neighbors to the east by landscaping, but required a substantial architectural solution for screening along the west.

Program

The owners, an interior designer and her husband, had occupied their home for thirty years. They had gutted the structure for a remodel only to be told by their contractor that structural deficiencies made it prudent to tear the entire house down and completely rebuild. Once E|FA was retained, an agreement was negotiated with building officials whereby all new construction would be constrained to the original footprint in order to expedite the permitting process. Despite a relatively narrow site, the owners requested that primary living spaces, master suite, and two guest suites each have a view to the water. They desired a pavilion-type structure with a strong connection between interior spaces and the natural setting.

Solution

The design is a simple shell, a cedar-clad box without openings, that has been “carved-out” to expose the sheltered interior to carefully framed views, while creating covered outdoor spaces at the entry and waterside porch. The southeast corner was “eroded” so that the two guest suites were afforded water views despite being set back from the water. A screening element to the west protects the privacy of these spaces and doubles as a barbeque niche. From inside, the overall effect is one of total seclusion.

Recognition

Seattle Homes & Lifestyles

"Balancing Act"

Credits

General Contractor

Rob Thomas Construction

Structural Engineer

Quantum Consulting Engineers

Interior Design