Wittman Estes "expresses the climate" in Washington house and workshop
Seattle-based studio Wittman Estes has created a low-profile house separated by a lush garden from an adjacent workshop building, all designed to work with the rainy climate of Snohomish, Washington.
Known as the French Creek Workhops House, the 2,471-square-foot (230-square metre) residence is complemented by a 1,471-square-foot (137-square metre) workshop that has space for waving, glass blowing, furniture making and other artistic pursuits.
The private home for a newly retired couple sits on a 4.5-acre site that was once used as an animal sanctuary beside a wetland.
"Conceived as a serene retreat immersed in nature, it offers comfort and beauty throughout the seasons – sheltering its occupants during the cool, rainy months and opening outward during the dry, warm season," Wittman Estes said.
A corrugated metal roof with deep overhangs shades the wood-clad exterior and large windows that open the interiors up to the central courtyard.
This intermediate outdoor space progresses from a welcome garden, through a series of ponds, to an elevated pathway that runs along the main house.
Founding principal Matt Wittman explained that the movement of rainwater drove the form of the design, drawing inspiration from ancient Roman impluvium and routing water into reflecting pools.
"When it rains, water cascades over the roof edges, sheeting gently into the garden," Wittman said. "Instead of working against the climate, we expressed it – so the owners can engage with it."
The single-level house is designed for ageing-in-place and multigenerational living with wide doorways, flush thresholds and sandblasted concrete floors that were cast-in-place with hydronic radiant heating.
The gentle terracing allows the house to fit into the sloped terrain.
Slatted wood screens fabricated by the residents enclose the exterior loading dock on the driveway side of the workshop and filter light into the living room.
"Interior materials balance artistry and practicality, emphasizing natural warmth and durability," the studio said.
"Locally sourced fir and cedar complement terrazzo and concrete surfaces, while reddish-brown soffits and a vivid blue kitchen wall introduce a playful note."
The workshop building, which contains multiple studios to cater to the residents' crafts, is positioned to minimize noise of both its contents and the adjacent highway, creating a serene, secluded living environment.
The shed roof lifts up for clerestory windows on the north side that draw even, diffused light into the studios.
"They wanted the home to be an expression of who they are," Wittman said. "Now, they can live and create side by side – gracefully and seamlessly."
Founded by Matt Wittman and Jodi Estes in 2012, the studio designs projects that are connected to nature.
Recently, Wittman Estes completed a rapid assembly fire station in Rancho Mission Viejo, California, a courtyard house based on Chinese principles of garden design in Seattle and an elevated extension to a 1940s beach house in Hood Canal, Washington.
The photography is by Andrew Pogue.
Project credits:
Architecture and interiors: Wittman Estes
Wittman Estes design team: Matt Wittman, Jody Estes, Ashton Wesely
Landscape: Wittman Estes
Structural engineer: Josh Welch Engineering
Builder: MRA Builders
Civil engineer: Jennifer Argraves, LPD Engineering
Geotechnical engineer: Adam Gaston, Geo Group Northwest
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