San Juan Island Residence

Washington

The winding approach through the pristine site in the San Juan Islands pulls one deep into the forest before turning back toward the house. Proceeding from the darkness of the forest past two linear screen walls, one steps onto the center of a staggered wooden boardwalk and into the open foyer facing bright views of the water beyond. The boardwalk extends to each side, organizing the series of steel-framed pods gathered into two pavilions. The boardwalk is enclosed only where it slides through each pavilion, encouraging visitors to encounter the natural world more directly by experiencing the temperature, sights, and smells of the island when traveling through the house.