Vashon Island, Washington/ 2,326 sq ft/ 4 bedroom/ 2.5 bath/ Wood/ Pre-Construction
Nestled among towering evergreens on Vashon Island, Washington, the West Coast Forest Residence is a contemporary multi-generational retreat designed to bring three generations together under one canopy of trees. More than just a house, it is a collective hamlet: a series of black-clad cabins carefully arranged to foster closeness while allowing each family unit privacy. The architecture embraces both intimacy and openness, balancing the needs of daily family life with the quiet beauty of the surrounding forest.
Site
The design begins with the land itself. Vashon Island, known for its rich woodland landscapes and quiet coastal character, provides a natural backdrop for this residence. The buildings are gently sited within the trees, their dark, monolithic forms striking a bold yet quiet presence against the green canopy. To the south, the property opens to outdoor living spaces—a garden, barbecue area, outdoor dining terrace, and soaking tub—extending daily routines into the fresh forest air. These elements emphasize a life lived as much outdoors as indoors, reinforcing the connection between people and the natural rhythms of the site.
Cabins Interlinked by Light
The home unfolds as a linear sequence of volumes, with each “cabin” serving a distinct purpose. At one end, two bedrooms with their own bath create a wing for children or guests. At the opposite end, the master suite enjoys complete privacy, featuring a generous bedroom, spa-like bathroom, and walk-in closet, with a hot tub terrace just outside. Between these two anchors lies the central living pavilion—a light-filled space where kitchen, dining, and living areas flow seamlessly together. This heart of the house is supported by practical service spaces, including a pantry, laundry, mudroom, and utility rooms, all tucked neatly behind. An outdoor kitchen extends directly from the central space, making it easy to shift between indoor and outdoor entertaining.
Glazed walkways and decks connect these volumes while drawing light deep into the house. From the outdoor living room on one side to the garden terraces on the other, every transition between inside and out is designed to be fluid. The black siding and parallel gable roofs unify the composition, while careful placement of window frames both forest and sky, ensuring that the natural setting is always present.
Living Together, Living with Nature
The West Coast Forest Residence is ultimately about connection: between generations, between buildings, and between people and nature. By arranging a series of cabins into a modulated whole, the design preserves individuality while fostering togetherness. The bold black forms feel at once striking and understated, blending into the forest while establishing a strong architectural presence. With spaces that flow seamlessly between indoors and outdoors, and with family life spread across cabins yet tied together by shared decks and walkways, the residence celebrates both independence and unity. It is a modern hamlet in the woods—designed for three generations, and deeply rooted in the rhythms of the West Coast landscape.
