Outward Bound on Orcas Island, WA property project, Rural Washington real estate, US waterfront architecture photos

Outward Bound on Orcas Island, Washington

March 4, 2024

Design: Heliotrope Architects

Location: Orcas Island, Washington State, USA

Outward Bound on Orcas Island

Outward Bound on Orcas Island, Washington retreat

Photos by Sean Airhart

Outward Bound on Orcas Island, Washington, USA

Heliotrope was engaged to re-imagine an existing home situated on a remote Orcas Island property with unique, panoramic views. The owners were not in need of more space, rather they desired an improved experience.

Outward Bound on Orcas Island, Washington retreat

The existing home lacked a coherent character and turned its back on panoramic views of the Salish Sea, the Cascade range and Mount Baker.

Outward Bound on Orcas Island, Washington retreat

The design solution by Heliotrope Architects built upon what the home appeared to want to be, a simple farmhouse, while improving interior spatial relationships, solar access and views to the surroundings.

Outward Bound on Orcas Island, Washington retreat

The scope consisted of re-framing the roof and porch to accommodate new dormer windows and a modified roof form, which opened up the second floor to sunlight and views while improving the home’s overall character.

Orcas Island, Washington retreat by Heliotrope Architects

On the main floor, a 30-foot-long steel beam was inserted to provide a column-free opening between living spaces and the porch.

This opening is infilled minimally, with custom wood storefront and lift-slide door systems allowing for a seamless indoor/outdoor connection.

Outward Bound on Orcas Island, Washington retreat by Heliotrope Architects

This intervention also adds an important contemporary counterpoint to an otherwise fairly traditional farmhouse vernacular. Interiors further reinforce this duality between a traditional and contemporary formal vocabulary.

Rural Washington home design

Outside, the landscape was heavily re-worked and an unsightly fire circle removed and replaced with a sunken fire-pit, situated near the edge of the cliff. This removed it from the porch view while providing a spectacular place to sit by the fire sheltered from southerly winds.

Rural Washington real estate by Heliotrope Architects

Outward Bound, Orcas Island, Washington – Property Information

Architecture: Heliotrope Architects
Contractor: Con Russell

Photography: Sean Airhart

Outward Bound on Orcas Island, WA, USA, images / information received 040324 from Heliotrope Architects

Location: Orcas Island, Washington, USA

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