About This Project
My most recent project holds a deeply personal significance – creating my family’s residence on a sprawling 5-acre woodland plot in Kingston, WA. My relocation to Washington State a few years ago was motivated by the desire to unite our extended family within the same cherished community they have called home for four decades. This endeavor organically evolved into a family-centric compound.
The project drew considerable inspiration from the enchanting allure of Austrian farm structures. Having explored numerous examples of these rustic abodes, I couldn’t help but notice their striking resemblance to the picturesque landscapes of Western Washington. One could easily mistake the two, so harmonious is their connection.
Traditional Austrian compounds are thoughtfully organized, with a cluster of functional buildings embracing a central courtyard enclosed by protective walls. Security was the primary concern behind this configuration. However, in our contemporary interpretation, security takes a back seat, even though occasional visits from bears or mountain lions are not uncommon in Kingston. Unlike most residential projects where a single structure gazes outward at the landscape, each building orientes towards the vibrant heart of the compound, where outdoor activities thrive.
By shifting the focal point away from individual buildings and directing it toward the central courtyard, we were able to simplify the design of each structure, ensuring a more budget-friendly approach, which is particularly crucial in the challenging materials procurement environment of late.
The courtyard plan configuration emerged from creatively manipulating two key residential planning areas: the living space and the garage. We extended the living areas into an “L” shaped layout, one leg of the “L” for our home and the other for guests. And repositioned and rotated the garage, creating the core of our central space. Additionally, a second-level Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) atop the garage delineates the courtyard’s perimeter and offers captivating south-facing views over the residence and the surrounding forest.
With ample accommodation for guests and family, all within a single compound, the essence of daily living will be the defining architectural feature of this contemporary reimagining of traditional European architectural planning.