DAMSELFLY
HOUSE
HOUSE
new residence (1700 sf): under construction
san juan island, wa
Damselfly House rests in a South facing meadow surrounded by Douglas Firs and alley views over the property pond towards the peaking Olympic Mountain range. The client has loved and developed the property spanning two decades, so the design strategy focuses the home as a compliment to the evolution of her property. The design borrows formal and aesthetic elements from the properties existing outbuildings, but stands out independently, anchoring itself as the primary residence and focal point. The form of the building is derived from the surrounding shed buildings, but is spread wide to maximize solar gain to the South and match the horizontality of the site. A blend of hand produced, local cedar siding reflects the existing buildings, but contemporary detailing and bold sizes subtly bring the building to a new era.
The planning of the home is centered around two primary view corridors, thoughtfully placed to connect to natural features on either side of the home. These corridors end in framed views with glass doors, connecting the circulation paths back to the landscape as well as providing passive cooling from the shady North through the building to the sun drenched South. An open concept great room is placed adjacent a wrap around patio on the South side of the home, providing a seamless transition for interior-exterior living. The transition from space to space throughout the home is to feel effortless and always connecting back to the natural surroundings. The Southern facing window wall is delicately shaded with a large roof overhang as well as a cedar slatted eyebrow above the lower window set, inviting much needed winter sun and shading the building from summer heat.
The planning of the home is centered around two primary view corridors, thoughtfully placed to connect to natural features on either side of the home. These corridors end in framed views with glass doors, connecting the circulation paths back to the landscape as well as providing passive cooling from the shady North through the building to the sun drenched South. An open concept great room is placed adjacent a wrap around patio on the South side of the home, providing a seamless transition for interior-exterior living. The transition from space to space throughout the home is to feel effortless and always connecting back to the natural surroundings. The Southern facing window wall is delicately shaded with a large roof overhang as well as a cedar slatted eyebrow above the lower window set, inviting much needed winter sun and shading the building from summer heat.
