Courtyard House on a River
Just outside of Seattle on the edge of the White River, the Courtyard House on a River sits in a grove of evergreens. The dark facade, created by planks of blackened Western red cedar, blends the contemporary form into its forest setting. A courtyard made from a bed of gravel leads to a covered terrace, acting as both a passage from the outdoors as well as a refuge from the wandering elk. The terrace is separated from the interior living area by a double-sided steel fireplace. Once inside, white walls and wood beams contrast the exterior and develop a warm, modern palette. Along with welcoming in generous amounts of natural light, walls of glazing allow for extensive views of the surrounding forest bed.
Photos: Mark Woods / Robert Hutchison Architecture