prentiss architects projects a contemporary home on cady mountain

prentiss architects projects a contemporary home on cady mountain
image © michael skott
all images courtesy of prentiss architects

if ever there existed a harmonious dialogue between wood and concrete, the ‘cady mountain house’ on san juan island by washington-based practice prentiss architects stands as a strong example of successful coexistence. the concrete- a thermally beneficial and anchoring element manifested through walls and floors that pierce through the house’s outer extents, gently settles itself into the landscape. the wood- a cunning combination of bamboo, reclaimed, charred and natural exposed planks span across the ceilings and walls, folding to fill the voids left by the concrete. the exterior cladding renders itself appropriate for its context, emphasized through the use of color. what are really three separate structures, the main home, the guest accommodation, and the sleeping cabin, are architecturally consolidated into a coherent project.

side elevation of charred wood and glass
image © michael skott

an elevated bamboo platform stretches the length of the homes rectangular-shaped footprint to delineate a clear step into the various living spaces with polished concrete floors. clerestory windows shaded by low shed roofs allow indirect light to illuminate the interior throughout the day, allowing the walls to become the surrounding trees and foliage. low sod roofs absorb much of the sunlight to control solar gain as it renders the house almost invisible in the landscape from a visitor’s approach.

front entrance
image © michael skott