Architects: Michael Flowers Architect
Area: 155 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Gregor Halenda
Manufacturers: Loewen
Lead Architects: Michael Flowers, Seth Moran
Construction: Owen Gabbert, LLC
City: White Salmon
Country: United States
Columbia Gorge Residence is a residential building designed by Michael Flowers Architects in White Salmon, Washington, offering a blend of simplicity and strategic response to its surroundings. Nestled in firs and hemlocks on a flat site between the lush northern upslope and the steep southern descents of the gorge, this home stands as a testament to thoughtful architectural integration into a challenging landscape.
This residence, located along the Columbia Gorge in White Salmon, Washington, is set amidst a serene landscape of firs and hemlocks. Positioned on a flat bench, the home is flanked by a lush northern upslope and the gorge’s steep southern descents.
The design of the residence focuses on a singular, cohesive massing as an exercise in simplicity and site-responsive architecture. The building features a weathered metal-clad roof and north façade that tactically respond to the mature trees in the vicinity, including those from neighboring properties. Adjacent wood cladding harmonizes with the environment, enhancing the transition of materials and the overall exterior experience. At the heart of the home, a cedar-slatted carport uses the site’s orientation to maximize southern exposure, extending from the west. This transition area opens to a sprawling garden and a deep porch capitalizing on the south aspect, inviting outdoor living and engagement with the natural surroundings.
The home is distinguished by its expansive porch, which covers the southern side, providing a generous area for outdoor entertainment regardless of the weather. This porch connects to an outdoor kitchen and a verdant cooking garden, establishing a functional and inviting space for hosting gatherings. The integration of the porch with the garden and landscape enhances year-round enjoyment and interaction with the natural vistas.
The residence addresses the challenge of minimizing energy consumption while leveraging the site’s unique characteristics through meticulous site analysis and solar modeling. It incorporates passive house principles and active technologies, achieving a highly insulated structure. Strategic placement of windows fosters a seamless integration of interior and exterior spaces, enhancing the home’s energy efficiency.
Key features include net-zero energy performance, solar energy with battery backup for extended off-grid capability, and advanced air filtration systems to enhance resilience during smoke events.
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Project Location
Address: White Salmon, Washington, United States
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
