Cedar siding and a central breezeway feature in this compact home in the Pacific Northwest designed by US firm SHED for a couple who will soon retire.
The project, called Whidbey Dogtrot, is named after its location on Whidbey Island, which lies just north of Seattle. The single-storey dwelling is perched on a bluff overlooking the Puget Sound.
Whidbey Dogtrot overlooks the Puget Sound
The project was designed by Seattle's SHED Architecture and Design for a couple who are transitioning into retirement. They desired a compact, low-maintenance home that embraces its picturesque setting.
"In addition, the home needed space for guests, visits from adult children, hobbies, music and a home office," the team said.
The home was informed by traditional dogtrot-style houses For inspiration, the architects looked to the dogtrot-style house, which features a central breezeway covered by a roof.
They conceived a low-lying home made up of two rectangular volumes flanking an open-ended passage, where the front door and a wooden bench are located. The building is topped with a black, standing-seam metal roof.
Living quarters include an open-plan kitchen and dining area
Exterior walls are clad in rough-cut, western red cedar with a semi-transparent black stain.
To ensure privacy, the team limited the amount of apertures on the front elevation, which faces west. The home opens up on the east, where large stretches of glass offer sweeping views of the landscape.

...