Massive bi-folding doors allow this artist's retreat in Washington by architecture firm Olson Kundig to open to the outdoors and accommodate large pieces of art.
Situated in the rural area of Trout Lake, the compound is made up of four buildings arranged in two clusters. The clients, an artist couple, wanted studio spaces that would be separate from their living quarters.

"Both owners are artists who incorporate the natural landscape into their work," said a statement from Seattle-based Olson Kundig. "He is a painter and multimedia artist, and she is a textile artist, photographer and designer."

The first grouping is a T-shaped structure that comprises the main residence, work spaces, and a carport beneath the same roof. A covered courtyard connects the intersection of the three volumes.
A footpath leads to the secondary building, which contains another large art studio and guest quarters. "Here, the owners work on their own projects, and occasionally host retreats and community-based art workshops," said Olson Kundig.

The main residence has a single bedroom on the upper level, while the ground floor is for living spaces. The sleeping area is accessible via a staircase in the entry foyer.

On the ground floor, a double-sided fireplace separates a library from the open kitchen, living and dining room. Here, expansive folding doors open out to the landscape.
"In all four buildings, large bi-folding doors and sliding barn doors open up th...