​Perched above the shoreline on Guemes Island, this family retreat reimagines a beloved waterfront property that has been passed down through generations. While the original home holds decades of cherished memories, its seasonal construction and aging structure limited its usability for much of the year. The new design seeks to preserve the spirit of the family gathering place while creating a comfortable, year-round residence that embraces sweeping views of Puget Sound and Mount Baker beyond.

Challenge

​The existing home was constructed on a simple post-and-pier foundation and lacked the thermal performance and structural integrity necessary for full-time occupancy. Cold air circulating beneath the living spaces made the home uncomfortable outside the summer months, while the layout failed to fully capitalize on the site's extraordinary views and connection to the landscape. The owners, a Seattle-based couple approaching retirement, also desired a home that could support aging in place while continuing to accommodate children, grandchildren, and future family gatherings.

Solution

The new design replaces the aging structure with a modern retreat organized around accessibility, comfort, and connection to the outdoors. Primary living, entertaining, and sleeping spaces are consolidated onto a single main level, allowing the homeowners to enjoy the home comfortably for decades to come. A lower level houses mechanical systems, storage, and a drive-under carport, minimizing the building's footprint while engaging the site's topography. Above, an open loft provides flexible space for visiting family and gaming, while maintaining visual connections to the surrounding landscape. Throughout the home, large expanses of glazing frame views of Puget Sound and Mount Baker, and carefully positioned indoor-outdoor spaces blur the boundary between house and landscape.

Materials + Craft

The architecture draws inspiration from the rugged beauty of the Pacific Northwest coastline, pairing durable materials with a restrained and timeless aesthetic. Generous roof overhangs, natural wood finishes, and expansive glazing respond to the island climate while strengthening the connection between interior and exterior spaces. Careful attention is given to how the home meets the ground, creating terraces, gathering areas, and outdoor living spaces that extend daily life into the landscape. The result is a warm, enduring family retreat designed to honor generations of memories while creating new ones for decades to come.