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Houzz Tour: An Observatory Tops Off a Modern Home
Fantastic views even without a telescope, plus a fun surprise, star in this sustainable design for a Washington state family
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
When architect Dan Nelson's clients approached him to build this house high in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, they were very interested in energy efficiency and a sustainable, low-maintenance design. One of the clients, however, had perhaps an even bigger priority: installing a firefighter's pole. The resulting home has a small footprint and breathtaking views, thanks to its siting and four-story height. And yes, it also has that firefighter's pole.
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Stanwood, Washington
Who lives here: A couple and their 2 boys
Size: About 3,800 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths
Year built: 2008
Houzz at a Glance
Location: Stanwood, Washington
Who lives here: A couple and their 2 boys
Size: About 3,800 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths
Year built: 2008
"The fire pole was the father's idea; he had always wanted a fire pole," says Nelson.
| The house sits at the highest point of the 11-acre site. "The higher we went, the more spectacular the views," Nelson says. Another dream house feature for the father was an observatory for his telescope. |
| Views and an interest in sustainable design drove the forms and layout. The house has four floors and a relatively small footprint. To the left is the garage with the master bedroom above. To the right are the living spaces, with two more bedrooms and a bath overhead. Nelson planned for the future as well; his design can incorporate solar panels and a wind turbine should the family opt to add those features later. |
A peek through the front door reveals the expansive views enjoyed from every room on the main floor. The open floor plan incorporates the kitchen, dining room and living room, and floor-to-ceiling glass provides western views of the Olympic Mountains, the city of Everett, Puget Sound and incredible sunsets.
Polished concrete floors create continuity throughout the home and provide a thermal mass for spreading heat.
Polished concrete floors create continuity throughout the home and provide a thermal mass for spreading heat.
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The fire pole connects the bedroom level to the main level and adds a playful element to all the glass, concrete and steel.
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The tall, narrow section in the previous photo is the stairwell, which extends four stories, from the daylight basement to the observatory.
| The next floor up is the family's sleeping floor. It contains the master suite, two other bedrooms, a second full bathroom and this reading loft, which opens to the living room below. The expansive windows are equipped with motorized shades for rare hot days. |
The observatory occupies the highest part of the house. It's a glass box that sits atop the roof. "The higher we made the house, the higher the observatory could be," says Nelson. The husband nicknamed his dream space "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.
Adjacent to The Bubble is a large roof deck where the family enjoys fresh air and expansive views.
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| The first floor is a daylight basement that contains an in-law suite for guests. |
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| Native plants populate the landscape, and a cistern stores rainwater from the roof for summer irrigation. |
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| The western windows harness solar heat. Other energy-efficient elements include the use of insulated concrete form walls (ICF), structural insulated roof panels (SIPS), radiant floor heating and geothermal heating. "This client truly let us do a modern house," says Nelson. "When we proposed what we wanted to do, he said, 'Go for it.'" More: Houzz Tour: Innovative Home, Heated and Cooled by Design |
Comments
olldbobbi What a cool house! I love the fire pole, but my husband would LOVE the observatory!
8 months ago · Like
kennedytarheel The VIEW is the house! Love the siting and simplicity inside and out. Back to Basics the easy-to-clean way! Thanks for sharing!
8 months ago · Like
7ravis Seems like a mistake not to shield the glass from the summer sun, even in Washington.
8 months ago · Like
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Fiona Taylor Stunning house! I think it's so cool it's eco-conscious, too. 7ravis, it says they have motorized shades for the windows for hot days.
8 months ago · Like
7ravis Thanks Fiona, I missed that. It's always good to see passive solar done correctly.
8 months ago · Like
Becky Harris 7ravis, your question is a testament to how well-concealed the shades are - they are camouflaged into the trim very nicely!
8 months ago · Like
rwsarvis Becky - What material is the fire pole and what is the diameter of the pole. Thanks!
8 months ago · Like
jojo132 Oh the view!
8 months ago · Like
campdogwood I work in an office block designed on passive solar design. It has significantly reduced our monthly electrity bill. Though its capital intensive at start. Great house
8 months ago · Like
meran017 The incorporation of Geothermal heating is coool! Haha. But a super idea. Tony D
8 months ago · Like
Ideabook published on Sept. 23, 2012.
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