Designed by BC&J Architecture together with Craftsman Building Fine Homes, this Scandinavian modern home of just 1,400 square feet lives large with its walls of windows and soaring loft space on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Clad in Shou Sugi Ban siding, the structure recedes into its wooded setting, while the contrasting Douglas fir rafters and soffits provide a wonderful contrast to the exterior.
This project began with a desire to build a guest house on the empty lot next to the owner’s main house. As the process went on, the couple ended up doubling the size of the new home and moving into it themselves. They had fallen in love with the Tamarack, a permit-ready, stock plan offered through the Perfect Little House Company, but they customized it to meet their lifestyle needs.
DESIGN DETAILS: ARCHITECT BC&J Architecture BUILDER Craftsman Building Fine Homes CABINETS William Walker Woodworking LANDSCAPE DESIGN Bliss Garden Design
The architects collaborated with the owners to double the footprint of the Tamarack, without overshadowing the original scale and proportions of the original cabin design. The solution included a new centralized entry between the public spaces of the original Tamarack and the private new bedroom wing of subordinate massing. The two structures, connected at the corner, create a courtyard protected from the street view and open to the surrounding forest.
At 1,400 square feet, this two-bedroom, two-bath home had to use every inch while maintaining clear, open views through large, two-story-high glazed wall areas. The kitchen is compact but well-appointed with substantial storage under the stairs to the loft. The living room/dining room area is enhanced by a storage wall with a built-in banquette for dining and additional seating. A small office area, bar, more storage, and a media room occur in the loft, which also has extensive views of the trees.
Above: The exterior facade features Black Gendai Shou Sugi siding from Nakamoto Forestry.
What We Love: This Scandinavian modern home was thoughtfully designed to let owners live large in a compact space. We love its style, its use of sustainable and innovative ideas, and, most of all, its simplicity. The Shou sugi ban siding adds to the overall beauty of this home, helping it to meld with its surroundings. The forested setting provides plenty of privacy and a peaceful respite for this home’s inhabitants.
Tell Us: What do you think, would this be your idea of the ultimate island retreat? Let us know why or why not in the Comments below!
Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other fabulous home tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: A timeless beach house designed as a forever home on Bainbridge Island and Before & After: A Bainbridge Island home gets a stunning renovation.
The interior has an edited material palette, with light maple euro ply cabinetry and walls, and grey concrete floors. Black window frames, furniture, and accents tie it all together. Pops of color, such as the lapis blue banquette seating, add a modern flair.
Above: The entry features Simpson doors and Shou sugi ban siding by Nakamoto Forestry in Black Gendai with Pika Pika accent. The Allegheny Sconce is by Schoolhouse.
Above: Kitchen showing maple europly cabinetry, Caesarstone Airy Concrete Honed, Bosch dishwasher and Microwave drawer Grohe faucet, windows and doors by Anderson. Sofa and lamp by Muuto from DWR.
Above: The Kitchen shows maple europly cabinetry with Caesarstone Airy Concrete countertop. Appliances by Bosch, Kitchen faucet by Grohe. Backsplash by Cle tile. The living and dining space is shown in the background.
Above: Kitchen and dining banquette with built-in storage. Maple europly cabinetry, Bosch appliances, Perennials Rough n Tumble fabric in Lapis.
Above: Built-in dining banquette with Maple europly storage and walls, seating fabric Perennials Rough n Tumble Lapis.
Above: The staircase was built from a Douglas fir tree salvaged from the site work. WAC staircase lighting
Above: The loft shows the west-facing corner office and a portion of the family/media room
Above: The built-in corner office uses maple europly cabinetry and floating shelves with a light gray Pental quartz desk top.
Above: The loft family/media room with Poliform sofa and media center. Windows by Anderson
Above: The owner’s bedroom suite is located in the corner of the lower wing, which captures the courtyard’s edge, while the guest bedroom is tucked in closer to the entry.
Despite all the windows, the backyard is very private, with lots of trees and shrubs. Several of the windows have roller shades, and the blackout shades in the bedrooms can be closed as needed.
Above: The main bathroom shows the morning light in the shower, vanity by Karton Republic, soapy tub by Kohler, and tub surround in light grey Pental quartz—faucets and fixtures by Delta Trinsic in matte black.
Above: The bathroom features a vanity by Karton Republic, faucets by Delta Trinsic in matte black, and in-wall mirror cabinets by Kohler.
Above: The rear exterior courtyard of this Scandinavian modern home features Shou sugi ban siding by Nakamoto Forestry in Gendai black.
PHOTOGRAPHER David W Cohen Photography
Above: The homeowners selected the construction plans from Perfect Little House Company because the design would fit perfectly into their heavily treed property. It had an abundance of glass that would not only flood the interiors with natural light but capitalize on the views. With the assistance of the architect, the plans were modified to double the size, from 727 square feet to 1,400 square feet.
