Design Buy Build Issue 68 2024 | Page 26

EDITOR ' S CHOICE

BAINBRIDGE HOUSE

FINNE Architects
FINNE Architects proudly introduce the Bainbridge House , a secluded sanctuary on a wooded 3-acre site on Bainbridge Island , a small city in western Washington State . A 500-ft driveway winds through the woods up to the house , located in a clearing at the top of a gentle hill . The house opens to a gently sloping meadow on the south side of the clearing .
Overall , the house is organized into two main volumes , with the glazed entry located in between these two volumes . The bedroom wing is to the west of the entry , and the living pavilion extends to the east , into the landscape . The living area has large glass walls to the south and north , allowing the landscape to surround the space , with the fireplace anchoring the east end . On the north side of the living area , a sculptural pantry volume is clad in organic Kolumba brick from Denmark . The fireplace is also made with Kolumba brick , with a blend of three variegated grey colors .
The living pavilion ceiling has a dense pattern of exposed wood beams , interrupted by five shafts of light coming from roof light monitors . Each light monitor is rotated slightly from the orthogonal geometry of the wood beams , so there is a sense of movement across the wood ceiling . The light monitors in the ceiling begin at the kitchen and then unfold as visitors move through the space . The dining table is placed across from the kitchen , with large sliding glass doors opening to a raised terrace overlooking the meadow .
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