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Haro Strait House + enlarge

Photographer: Art Grice

Haro Strait House

  • LEAD ARCHITECT
  • Tom Kundig, FAIA (view bio)
  • LOCATION & YEAR
  • San Juan Island, WA, 1998

Poject Details

Situated at the edge of a bluff on San Juan Island, the house is composed of two primary elements: a temple-like structure oriented perpendicular to the bluff and a box-like portion that hunkers into the site. Simple, naturally finished fir post-and-beam construction reinforces the elemental qualities of the site, giving the house a contemplative character. Communal spaces (kitchen, dining and living rooms) are located in the temple structure. Private spaces (office, family room and bedrooms) are contained in the boxier elements, some of which have planted roofs. The natural landscape was disturbed as little as possible during construction.