ERT BE HO USE: project summary Lot Size: 1.7 actes on Hood Canal Building Size: 1,140 sq ft Location Seabeck, Washington Project Type Single Family ResidenceEER BE HO USE: project synopsis ‘The Little House is nestled into a lush second growth forest on a north facing bluff ‘overiaoking Hood Canal with distant views to Dabob bay. Designed to repurpose an ‘existing foundation, the new building is just over 20 ft square. The simple form is ‘abstracted against the forest - a stark exterior contrasting a warm bright interir. ‘The owners lve fll time in Houston, Texas but have shared many summers with family at a nearby property outside Seabeck. They loved the wildness of the ‘southern Canal and imagined a small retreat here of their own. Early design ‘discussions focused on creating a compact, modern structure that was simple and efficient fo Build. Intentionally restrained on an existing footprint, the concept grew {rom this premise ~ a simple box with large carved openings in both the roof and walls that selectively embrace the views and natural ight. Visitors approach the site from the south. A thin canopy marks the entry and frames \iws ofthe Canal below. The more transparent north and west elevations pul fe landscape and distant view into the space Without primary views toward the water, the south and east elevations remain mos” solid, sheling views fom the dveway fd neighborng properties, Skyights carve nf the oot, bringing ight and vews of the stars over Re bad and nt the shower ‘Taut oxidized black cedar and blackened cement infill panels clad the exterior while lightly painted maf panels and soft pine plywood warm and brighten the interior. On 4 sunny western comer of the house a large patio reaches out into the landscape ‘and connects the building o the larger site while Serving as a jumping off point to the trail system wandering down to the water's edge. ‘The small footprint ultimately served as an effective tool to govern the design process. Focus was placed on the essentials and extras were edited out by both ‘esire and necessity. The resulting project hopes to capture the essence of the modern cabin — small in size but much larger than its boundaries.Not Beatin:west eleation 7) south elevation Press Sy: West an Sum Evanspap if