![Our Hillside Sanctuary Project is a two-story Pacific Northwest Residence is nestled into a gentle slope, featuring a stone base and a glass and timber upper level.](/uploads/2023-10-09/1513931999/158677679.jpg)
Hillside Sanctuary
The owner of this property came to us looking for a personal retreat inspired by a beloved stone Appalachian home lost to fire long ago. Our task was not to recreate it but rather to give its spirit new form in a distinctly Pacific Northwest location.
Taking inspiration from its remote site in the San Juan Islands, our design team conceived of the new home as a series of simple stone volumes growing naturally from their rugged surroundings. The site’s steep slope and the presence of a road directly behind it suggested a stone plinth and stone wall to form the base and rear of the house. A pair of massive stone fireplaces rising together within the home’s interior enhanced the concept, separating the main level into public and private realms flanking a central stone staircase. The extended plinth, finally, allowed the interior spaces to flow beyond the building envelope into a seamless outdoor living area with spectacular views.
![The main house and the guest house relate to eachother in materials but have completely different architectural features.](/uploads/2023-10-09/1140838718/215131905.jpg)
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![The cabinets and concealed refrigerator are wrapped in various types of wood, adding warmth and texture to the kitchen space.](/uploads/2023-06-02/345835375/41074726.jpg)
![The public area features the wood stove, which is set within a stone wall that mimics the exterior cladding. Stone wraps other walls within the home, helping draw a connection to the natural setting.](/uploads/2019-01-29/165392598/1658731158.jpg)
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![The primary bedroom features warm wood paneling, a built-in window seat, and access to the patio. The room feels warm and inviting with its wood and glass elements.](/uploads/2019-01-29/1483854108/932066908.jpg)
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![The deep gray, minimal, and sleek bathroom occupies the stone bar at the rear of the house. It projects beyond to offer a view of the water from the bath and shower.](/uploads/2019-01-29/1582832765/1123947230.jpg)
![A detailed shot of the impressive stone fireplace surround, a focal point in the living space, showcasing its rugged texture and craftsmanship.](/uploads/2023-06-02/2039548540/1416139530.jpg)
![A cozy corner in the kitchen flooded with natural light, featuring concrete countertops and a large metal pendant light, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.](/uploads/2023-06-02/413459133/782813268.jpg)
![A spacious balcony outside the kitchen, perfect for outdoor dining, with a view of the guest house in the background, creating a serene outdoor living space.](/uploads/2023-06-02/1332324679/957766366.jpg)
![view showcasing the main house and guest house, nestled in the natural surroundings, highlighting the unique design and serene setting of the property.](/uploads/2019-01-29/580888676/113646331.jpg)
![A guest standing on the balcony, taking in the breathtaking view, enjoying the tranquil surroundings of the Pacific Northwest.](/uploads/2023-06-02/1956913273/1933502367.jpg)
![The house glows warmly in the night, inviting guests with a cozy ambiance. Exterior storage is stocked with firewood, ready for gatherings.](/uploads/2019-01-29/1329864508/272954076.jpg)