Situated on one of the few sunny glades within the 5 acres of dense fir, cedar, and madrona forest is Hyak House ADU. The steep grade change and prominent bedrock slabs gave way to the foundation concept. Under the common living space, the building sits on one of the few flat terraces on the rugged hillside. This foundation anchors the building to the site and gives its volumetric counterpart space to reach out into the trees. The two forms are joined at a glass hallway, connecting the user to the forest behind the house upon arrival with a pass-thru view of the wooded landscape below. Minimal eaves and large windows act to bring in every bit of fleeting sun possible.
A private wing of master bedroom and bathroom delicately lifts above the sloping bedrock, jutting out into the adjacent forest. Material choices are to reflect the surrounding dense forest as a black cedar siding fades into the dark vertical repetition of fir trees. A bright and warm interior palette contrasts that of the exterior, bringing light and comfort to a heavily wooded landscape. While cutting construction cost and land disturbance, the 560 sf cabin challenges the family to only bring and use what they need. Hyak House ADU removes the clients from their busy lives and gives them the space and comfort to properly embrace this beautiful landscape of San Juan Island.