This 800-square-foot guesthouse, completed in 2008, is situated on a steep slope on a wooded site on Martha’s Vineyard. The design embeds the occupant in the natural environment. It is a compact, contemporary building clad in copper, reminiscent of a small boat tracing a path within a powerful seascape. The circulation routes and viewing platforms on and around the structure—through paths, a porch and a roof deck—encourage interaction with and exploration of the surrounding landscape while offering glimpses of the distant ocean. The floor plan places two bedrooms at opposite ends of the house, each with its own bathroom. A small communal area—with a kitchenette, eating area, and a sitting room that doubles as a third informal bedroom—is located at the center of the building. A curtain that can be drawn between the kitchen area and the sitting area/bedroom affords greater privacy. Large windows are used throughout to provide abundant natural light, creating airy spaces in counterpoint to the rich teak, mahogany, and cork interior palette.