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"Built to withstand extreme weather, heavy snow, earthquakes, and forest fires, our home has protected itself and its systems while providing our family a beautiful retreat in nature and solitude."

Homeowner

Nighthawk Retreat

Eastern Cascade Foothills, Washington

Site

A remote south-facing ridge along the eastern foothills of the Cascade Mountains. Wind-driven snowy winters and hot arid summers with occasional brush fires characterize the severe climate. No public utilities were available.

Program

A family vacation retreat offering seclusion and connection to the natural environment. The site is off the grid, so solar electrical generation and energy conservation were critical to the success of the project.

Solution

The V-shaped house is cut into the ridge, allowing for an earth-sheltered passive solar design. The concrete roof and retaining walls allowed the house to be buried under four feet of earth – offering insulation in the winter and cavelike cooling in the summer. Concrete overhangs provide snow control and solar shading. Rolling metal shutters serve the dual purposes of forming a second skin which offers additional thermal control, as well as fire protection and security when the retreat is not in use. 

Recognition

CRSI Design Awards

Honorable Mention

Excellence in Concrete Construction

Residential Structures Award

Sustainable Merit Award

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

by Robyn Beaver

150 Best Cottages & Cabin Ideas

by Francesc Zamora

Daily Journal of Commerce

"Building with Concrete"

Masterpieces: Country House Architecture + Design

by Michelle Galindo

Credits

Structural Engineer

Quantum Consulting Engineers

Photography

Jim Van Gundy

Homeowners

E|FA

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