When architect Dan Nelson’s clients approached him to create this house high in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, they were very enthusiastic about energy efficiency and a renewable, low-maintenance design. One of those clients, however, had an even larger priority: installing a firefighter’s pole. The consequent home has a small footprint and stunning views, thanks to its siting and four-story height. And it also has that firefighter’s pole.
at a Glance
Location: Stanwood, Washington
Who resides: A couple and their 2 boys
Size: Around 3,800 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 bathrooms
Year constructed: 2008
Dan Nelson
“The fire pole was the father’s idea; he’d always wanted a fire pole,” says Nelson.
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
The house sits at the highest stage of this website. “The higher we went, the more dramatic the views,” Nelson says. Another fantasy house feature for the dad was an observatory for his telescope.
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Views and an interest in sustainable design drove the types and layout. The house has four floors and a rather small footprint. To the left is your garage with the master bedroom above. To the right are the living spaces, with just two bedrooms and a bath overhead.
Nelson intended for the future as well; his design can incorporate solar panels and a wind turbine should the family choose to bring those features later.
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
A glance through the front door shows the expansive views enjoyed from every room on the main floor. The open floor plan incorporates the kitchen, dining area and living space, and floor-to-ceiling glass offers western views of the Olympic Mountains, the town of Everett, Puget Sound and amazing sunsets.
Polished concrete floors create continuity throughout the home and provide a thermal mass for spreading heat.
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
The fire pole connects the bedroom degree to the main degree and adds a lively element to all the glass, steel and concrete.
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
The tall, narrow segment in the previous photo is the stairwell, which extends four tales, from the daylight basement into the observatory.
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
The second floor up is your family’s sleeping flooring. It contains the master suite, two other bedrooms, another full bathroom and this reading loft, which opens into the living room under.
The expansive windows are equipped with motorized colors for infrequent hot days.
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
The observatory occupies the highest part of the house. It’s a glass box which sits atop the roof. “The higher we made the house, the more complex the observatory could be,” says Nelson. The husband nicknamed his fantasy distance “The Bubble” because of all the glass.
Adjacent to The Bubble is a large roof deck where the family enjoys fresh air and expansive views.
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
The first floor is a daylight basement which contains an in-law package for guests.
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Native plants populate the landscape, and a cistern shops rainwater from the roof to summer irrigation.
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
Dan Nelson, Designs Northwest Architects
The western windows harness solar heat. Other energy-efficient elements incorporate using insulated concrete form walls (ICF), structural insulated roof panels (SIPS), radiant floor heating and geothermal heating.
“This client truly let us do a contemporary house,” states Nelson. “When we proposed what we wanted to do, ” he said, ‘Proceed.'”
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