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COASTAL BASECAMP
This building is located on a coastal point, consisting of low scrubs and wind battered spruce. Upon arrival the building is unassuming, with a low slop green roof and simple untreated hemlock board and baton siding. As you follow the drive around the corner you double back around an old stone wall and are presented with the retreat.
Set back a safe distance from the water it is still possible to see the offshore island from the yard and once you are inside the space there is a large glass wall facing the sunrise that preserves this view. A set of bifold wooden doors protects the glass from storms.
In the main space a large horizontal window fills the peak of the room to the southwest and tracks the afternoon sun. In summer, a thin slit of sunlight from the high path of the sun travels across the floor, where as in winter, the light penetrates deep into the space, all the wall to the back wall.
The locally milled interior structure was celebrated by letting it float free and not burying it within the walls. A natural clay plaster and pine ceiling gives the space a warm feeling; complementing the subtle green hues of the hearth set flush in the floor underneath the stove. Clearly the space is clearly a joy to describe.
Outside an upper deck is approached by a stair that is pinched between two walls. As you ascend you feel a compression to either side which is released as you arrive at the extensive panoramic view from the second floor with ocean on three sides.
Below this deck is a covered porch. It’s openness complements sheltered feel of the main space, without being exposed to the full force of summer’s mosquitos. This porch also helps provide ample cross ventilation.
All-in-all a good basecamp to watch the weather and get ready to go surfing.
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CONSTRUCTION PHOTOS
OWNER RELATIONSHIP
The owner of this project comes up for several months each fall and over the course of three years we built the project in increments, each an upgrade to how he began; living out of his van. This approach allowed him to really get a sense for the land and understand how to live with its fluctuations; particuarly its more fickle aspects such as weather. It also allowed him to better finances the project by spreading out the expense over time.
