Northshore

Residence

2

Location: 
Bellingham, WA
Size: 
4,563 Sq. Ft.
Client: 
Private
Awards: 
Northwest American Institute of Architects Merit Award Winner

The .85 acre waterfront property is located in a relatively densely populated area of Lake Whatcom. The property drops steeply from the road and gradually flattens closer to the water where a one-story, 2-bedroom house had previously resided within the 110' setback from the ordinary high-water mark. The neighboring houses were also built within this setback. Despite existing conditions and precedent, the client's desire to build within this setback required a Shoreline Conditional Use Permit. The permit was obtained by proposing that the existing waterfront lawn be restored to a natural shoreline meadow with native plantings. The result was a natural habitat that positively impacted the neighborhood, shoreline ecology and the public's experience of the lake.

The client desired a modern yet warm and inviting home that was livable and open for entertaining. The materials are a mixture of exposed structural steel and exposed concrete with the warmth of wood throughout the interior and exterior. The client wanted a beautiful, high-end home but not a ìmuseumî. Exterior covered space was important as was the ability to open the house to the exterior and create a comfortable flow inside and out. Maximizing the views of the water and shielding the neighboring homes was also a priority.

Previous Project

Next Project