The Pacific Northwest in both Canada and the US is home to several idyllic islands that are known for being partly ?old hippie? and partly more industrial or urban. Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound area of Washington State about 50 kilometers north of Seattle is one such island. The south end is known as a hippie stronghold with its artistic communities and small-scale organic farming of livestock, chickens, vegetables and herbs. The north is home to the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station and populated by ?navy people.? The island?s total population is about 70,000 people.

Recently, a family that has farmed cattle in the south end for several generations approached Seattle-based MW WORKS Architecture+Design to design a retreat that would fit the family?s still-working farm site, and become a home for the grandparents and a multi-generational vacation home for as many as 20 people.
The site for the new house is on a low hill that overlooks the turn-of-the-century red barn, chicken sheds, cattle fields, fishing pond and forest. The site is about 50 acres in size with many mature trees. The architects took their cues from the surrounding nature and designed three unassuming glass-walled units that are grouped around a courtyard. The courtyard is bordered by a low wall made of local, grey basalt stones.

The exterior walls are made of local red cedar siding with large windows taking full advantage of the views. Everything is created to de-emphasize the existence of the ...