journal
07 / 05 / 2019
We’re on Seabeck, a second-growth forest on Pacific Northwest, overlooking Hood Canal, far from the vibrant bustle of Washington. This surprising refuge, designed to repurpose an existing foundation, expresses the perfect equilibrium between comfort and nature. The owners’ sense of nostalgia, “after many summers with family at a nearby property outside Seabeck” led to the creation of the home, conceived by Seattle–based architecture firm MW|Works.
As the architects explained, the idea was to create “a simple box with large carved openings in both the roof and walls that selectively embrace the views and natural light”, what was established through skylights and full-height windows on the living area. The rustic yet simple style of decoration, mostly in natural brown tones, evokes a sense of comfort and elegance, felt throughout the space.
This approach is enhanced by the use of materials such as wood, MDF panels and soft pine plywood on the inside, in contrast with oxidized black cedar and blackened cement infill panels on the outside. On effect, “focus was placed on the essentials and extras were edited out by both desire and a very humble budget”, the team added, explaining the subtle contemporary appearance of a refuge that captures “the essence of the modern cabin—small in size but much larger than its boundaries”.
As the architects explained, the idea was to create “a simple box with large carved openings in both the roof and walls that selectively embrace the views and natural light”, what was established through skylights and full-height windows on the living area. The rustic yet simple style of decoration, mostly in natural brown tones, evokes a sense of comfort and elegance, felt throughout the space.
This approach is enhanced by the use of materials such as wood, MDF panels and soft pine plywood on the inside, in contrast with oxidized black cedar and blackened cement infill panels on the outside. On effect, “focus was placed on the essentials and extras were edited out by both desire and a very humble budget”, the team added, explaining the subtle contemporary appearance of a refuge that captures “the essence of the modern cabin—small in size but much larger than its boundaries”.
For more information, visit mw|works website.
Photography: Andrew Pogue
This article is only available in English.
Photography: Andrew Pogue
This article is only available in English.