Cady Mountain | Prentiss Architects

Three Structures, One House:  a Main House, a Sleeping Cabin and a Guest House are blended into the natural landscape and draped over an island ridge top.

Nestled on the top of a small mountain in the San Juan Islands, the goal of this design was to provide the clients with privacy and an intimate experience with the abundant wild flowers and garry oaks of the landscape, while allowing for expansive views to the east, south and west.  Being “at one” with the natural environment was an essential element of the design. This was achieved by careful siting, protection of the existing landscape, and the use of southern light, sod roofs and green materials. As often as possible interior rooms have the possibility of being swung open to the exterior; this can be seen in the kitchen or the ofuro bath. Low-pitched roofs, natural materials, and natural colors were used to blend into and reinforce the horizontal feel of the surrounding landscape.

The compound is comprised of three distinct but architecturally-related structures strategically placed on the site.  The main house is used for eating and entertaining; the studio is for sleeping, reading and office projects; the guest cabin provides visitors with their own private retreat. Getting to and from each structure requires one to engage with the site by means of a 100-yard walk through the wildflower-rich landscape.

The three separate forms were designed to complement one another but to have their own unique expression.   Serenity, light and engagement with the site are the primary goals of the interior spaces. Detailing emphasizes clean lines and maximizes natural light.  To enhance a feeling of harmony the variety of essential materials was restricted to honestly expressed concrete, douglas fir, cedar, natural steel, stainless steel and glass.  In addition to the appropriate siting for solar gain, thermal mass, sod roofs and reclaimed wood were used throughout. The cast-concrete fireplace and site walls in the main house are an anchor for the design, while separating arrival points from the living spaces and creating an extension into the landscape.