skip to main content
BATHROOM SALE
0
Your shopping cart is empty.
Sign In
Join as a Pro
History of Houzz
GET IDEAS
PHOTOS
Kitchen & DiningKitchenDining RoomPantryGreat RoomBreakfast Nook
Bed & BathBathroomPowder RoomBedroomStorage & ClosetBaby & Kids
LivingLiving RoomFamily RoomSunroom
OutdoorLandscapePatioDeckPoolBackyardPorchExteriorOutdoor KitchenFront YardDrivewayPoolhouse
WalkwaysStaircaseEntryHall
Bar & WineHome BarWine Cellar
UtilityLaundryGarageMudroom
More RoomsGame RoomHome OfficeBasementCraftLibraryGym
Popular Design IdeasKitchen BacksplashFirepit
FireplaceDeck RailingPergolaPrivacy FenceSmall Closet
MAGAZINE
Stories and GuidesPopular StoriesRenovation Cost Guides
DISCUSSIONS
Get AdviceDesign DilemmasBefore & After
HOUZZ TV
HOUZZ RESEARCH
FIND PROFESSIONALS
PROFESSIONALS
DesignArchitects & Building DesignersKitchen & Bathroom DesignersInterior Designers & DecoratorsDesign-Build FirmsLighting Designers & Suppliers
RemodelingKitchen & Bathroom RemodelersGeneral ContractorsHome BuildersTile & Countertop ContractorsMasonry & Concrete ContractorsExterior & Siding ContractorsStair & Railing ContractorsFireplace Contractors
RenovationCarpentersCabinetry & Cabinet MakersFlooring ContractorsWindow ContractorsDoor ContractorsGlass & Shower Door ContractorsCarpet Contractors
OutdoorLandscape Architects & DesignersLandscape ContractorsDeck & Patio BuildersFence ContractorsDriveway & Paving ContractorsSwimming Pool BuildersHot Tub & Spa Dealers
ServicesPaintersRoofing & Gutter ContractorsOrganizers & Closet DesignersHome StagersGarage Door ServicesWindow Treatment ServicesPaint & Wall Covering Dealers
Appliances & SystemsAppliance Sales & ServicesHVAC ContractorsHome Theater & AutomationOutdoor Lighting & AV SpecialistsSolar Energy Contractors
All ProfessionalsAll ServicesFor Professionals
SHOP BY DEPARTMENT
KITCHEN & DINING
Kitchen & Dining FurnitureSinks & FaucetsKitchen AppliancesTabletopCabinets & StorageKnobs & PullsKitchen LightingTileCookware & BakewareTools & GadgetsView All
FURNITURE
Living RoomKitchen & DiningHome OfficeOutdoorBedroomStorageBathroomView All
BATH
Bathroom VanitiesShowersBathtubsBathroom LightingFaucetsBathroom SinksTileBath AccessoriesBath LinensMedicine CabinetsView All
DECOR
RugsMirrorsWall DecorDecorative AccentsArtworkPillows & ThrowsHoliday DecorView All
BEDROOM
Beds & HeadboardsBeddingDressersNightstandsBenchesBedroom DecorLampsCloset StorageFutonsChaisesView All
HOME IMPROVEMENT
HardwareTileBathroom FixturesKitchen FixturesHeating & CoolingBuilding MaterialsTools & EquipmentView All
LIVING
Coffee & Accent TablesRugsSofas & SectionalsArmchairs & Accent ChairsTV Stand & Media StorageHome DecorLampsArtworkBookcasesFireplaces & AccessoriesView All
OUTDOOR
Patio FurnitureOutdoor DecorOutdoor LightingPool & SpaLawn & GardenOutdoor StructuresOutdoor CookingView All
LIGHTING
ChandeliersPendant LightsFlush-MountsBathroom & VanityWall SconcesCeiling FansTable LampsFloor LampsKitchen & CabinetOutdoor LightingView All
MORE
Storage & OrganizationHome OfficeBaby & KidsHome BarCleaning & LaundryPet SuppliesHoliday DecorView All
Looking for the perfect gift? Send a Houzz Gift Card!
SALE
ON SALE - UP TO 75% OFF
Bathroom VanitiesChandeliersBar StoolsPendant LightsRugsLiving Room ChairsDining Room FurnitureWall LightingCoffee TablesSide & End TablesHome Office FurnitureSofasBedroom FurnitureLampsMirrors
BATHROOM SALE
Up to 55% Off
Bathroom Sinks and Faucets 
Up to 40% Off
Double-Sink Vanities With Free Shipping 
Up to 40% Off
Single-Sink Vanities With Free Shipping 
Up to 60% Off
Bathroom Vanity Lighting 
Houzz Tours
Houzz Tours
Before and After: Family Home Refreshed for a New Lifestyle
Top Ideabooks
Before and After: Family Home Refreshed for a New LifestyleHouzz Tour: Family-Friendly With a Home-School SuiteHouzz Tour: Home Returns to Its Modern RootsStep Inside a Designer’s Modern Scandinavian-Style Desert Home
Appears in
Latest From Houzz
See also
Small HomesContemporary HomesMidcentury HomesColorful HomesEclectic HomesVacation HomesTraditional HomesModern HomesRanch HomesTransitional HomesHistoric HomesLoftsTownhousesApartmentsFarmhousesFloating HomesGuesthousesMy HouzzHomes Around the World
Contemporary Homes
Contemporary Homes
Chic and Comfortable Florida Condo With Ocean Views
Top Ideabooks
Chic and Comfortable Florida Condo With Ocean ViewsWarm Contemporary Style for Active Empty NestersRenovation Helps Tell the Story of a Couple’s Adventurous LifeHappy Compromises for a Minimalist and a Maximalist
Appears in
Houzz Tours

Houzz Tour: Natural Meets Industrial in a Canal-Side Washington Home

Wood and steel mix with copious glass in a contemporary new build that seamlessly transitions to the outdoors

Becky Harris
Becky HarrisAugust 23, 2013
Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I 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.
More
Print
Embed
Facebook
Twitter
Email
As a Seattle couple approached retirement, they decided to create a brand-new environment for the transition. About two and a half hours from Seattle via ferry and driving, this beautiful spot along Washington’s Hood Canal serves as the setting for this next phase of their lives.

“My clients chose to build a relatively modestly sized house that was closely tailored to their needs and was in line with the not-so-big-house philosophy,” says architect Nils Finne, referring to author Sarah Susanka’s influential series of books. Susanka doesn’t espouse living in the smallest home possible but rather sizing a home for comfortable spaces its residents really use, and designing it to fit the owners’ lifestyles.
FINNE Architects
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: A couple transitioning into retirement
Location: Port Ludlow, Washington
Size: 2,450 square feet, 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

The left side of the house contains the living room, dining room and kitchen. The narrow tower that juts out to the right of it contains his-and-her offices stacked one atop the other. The wing on the far right contains a guest suite on the first floor and the master suite above it.

Large overhangs extend over the clerestory windows, offering protection from direct sunlight and rain. “The siding intersperses wider and narrower corrugated steel to give the industrial materials a residential scale,” explains Finne. “The juxtaposed patterns are unexpected.”

Throughout the house Finne used a mix of industrial and natural materials to create a dynamic relationship between nature and technology.
FINNE Architects
The main living space feels much larger than it is, because most of the walls are glass. Sliding glass doors that are 8 feet wide and 8 feet high open out to the giant front deck. The floors are ipe indoors and out, creating a seamless transition between the two areas.

“During the warm summer months, the living area feels like a large, open porch,” Finne says.

The deck extends around the corner. Tucked over on the far left side is a grill; an extended 7-foot overhang offers protection from the weather.

The house has a number of sustainable features, including thicker 2-by-8 wall construction, which provides 40 percent greater insulation value. Others include:
  • Generous glass areas to provide natural lighting and natural ventilation
  • Large overhangs for sun and rain protection
  • Recycled steel siding for maximum durability
  • A heat pump for maximum energy efficiency
  • Sustainable interior finishes and materials, including linoleum floors, low-VOC paints and natural wool carpeting
Armchairs: B&B Italia; coffee table, rug: custom design by Finne; woodstove: Rais
Sten Layered Glass Coffee Table
Finne's custom-designed coffee table was inspired by the shape of boulders. The Sten (Norwegian for "stone") table combines natural forms and industrial technology, and is topped with ultraclear Starphire glass. The top and the steel base are both cut with water jets, and the etching and layers manipulate light and form.
FINNE Architects
The exterior materials are a mix of metal, glass and wood, and are maintenance free. The metal siding has a ZACtique II finish, which resembles natural zinc. "I wanted the metal to look inherent and not painted," Finne says. The roof is standing-seam metal.

Red cedar on the underside of the overhangs warms the glass and metal from above. To the left, the same narrow tower that contains the stacked offices on the water side contains the stairs on the land side.
FINNE Architects
The entry sequence is short but adds a lot of drama. The front door leads into a small vestibule — parallel to and blocked from the view — then you turn to enter and take in the vast views through the main living space.

The staircase continues the combination of metal and wood seen on the exterior; stainless steel railings are topped with sapele wood. The stairs themselves are the same ipe as the floors. The wood is 1½ inches thick and projects out from the plane of the drywall.
FINNE Architects
Finne warmed the interiors with wood, complementing the vast views out to the trees and water. The cabinets are zebrawood with sapele end panels that break up the stripes and add contrast.

The elegant quartz and limestone countertops add to the organic feel. Two serving shelves attached with curved steel brackets are made of satin-edged glass — a material used throughout the house, including on interior doors and panels. The pendant lights are blown glass from Seattle company Resolute.
FINNE Architects
Wanting to avoid "ceiling acne" and to introduce a wood accent overhead, Finne organized the speakers and monopoint lights into inset sapele wood panels. The lines punctuate the ceiling with wood, similar to the way wood accents the aluminum window system.
FINNE Architects
The wife's upstairs office has a custom zebrawood and sapele built-in desk. The lofty perch offers an excellent view of Hood Canal.

"Hood Canal is a very unusual, long, narrow body of seawater that branches off from Puget Sound," Finne says. Considered a "driveway" to the Bangor naval submarine base, the waterway offers occasional glances of hulking nuclear submarines heading back to their home base — another very interesting mix of nature and technology.

Vase: Annika Finne; chair: Hans Wegner Wishbone Chair, Design Within Reach
FINNE Architects
Adjacent to the upstairs office is the modest-size master bedroom, which features glass pocket doors to the right of the bed and an interior clerestory that shares light with the office. "The use of glass makes the space look much bigger," Finne says.

"The fact that the house was designed not-so-big is one of the most sustainable factors — one that is often overlooked," he adds. Since the home is just the right size for the owners, it consumes much less energy than a house full of unused spare bedrooms and other wasted space.

Browse more homes by style:
Small Homes | Colorful Homes | Eclectic Homes | Modern Homes |Contemporary Homes
Midcentury Homes | Ranch Homes | Traditional Homes | Barn Homes
Townhouses | Apartments | Lofts | Vacation Homes
Print
Embed
Facebook
Twitter
Email
Comments (91)
See 88 more comments
  • David Kibuuka
    6 years ago
    YES, This is really what lam putting up in Africa, But with a much longer balcony all around the house...Great design!!
  • dlavendors
    2 years ago
    Who designed this? I live in WA near Portland and looking for designers that can do this within a tight budget for river front property on large lot, but along Highway in front yard (need noise buffers). Backyard amazing though. We have a small home there now, cinder block but too small for our family. 100 or 120 ft wide lot (can’t remember which), but very deep so lots of room front to back. 888-846-4233. We also own grandfathered in 4 unit home next door. Want to build storage buildings or something there, to also block highway noise and also give storage to tenants (lots are huge so there is room to do this). It is 125 Ft wide I believe (widest and deepest lot on the block).
    Pls call and leave message if you are the designer or sell prefabbed homes like this. We could build in 2 stages If garage or shop near highway side contained a rental unit which we can do since zoned as duplex, grandfathered in (normally single family). That way rents offset expanded Design for other home on same lot, and shop plus rental on top could help buffer highway noise.
  • PRO
    FINNE Architects
    2 years ago

    Hi,

    I designed the Port Ludlow House. My firm is FINNE Architects; our website is http://finne.com/.

    I am sorry, but we are too busy to help you with your project.

    --Nils Finne, AIA


  • Read Related Stories
    Before and After: Family Home Refreshed for a New Lifestyle
    Transitional HomesBefore and After: Family Home Refreshed for a New Lifestyle
    By Becky Harris
    A couple turn to a trusted designer to update their home for their changing needs and a future resale
    Full Story75
    Houzz Tour: Family-Friendly With a Home-School Suite
    Transitional HomesHouzz Tour: Family-Friendly With a Home-School Suite
    By Becky Harris
    Comfort and function came first, but a designer found on Houzz didn’t sacrifice style for these Texas homeowners
    Full Story42
    Houzz Tour: Home Returns to Its Modern Roots
    Before and AftersHouzz Tour: Home Returns to Its Modern Roots
    By Becky Harris
    A previous renovation had covered up this Canadian home’s original style. A designer fixes that and lightens up rooms
    Full Story32
    Step Inside a Designer’s Modern Scandinavian-Style Desert Home
    Houzz TV LiveStep Inside a Designer’s Modern Scandinavian-Style Desert Home
    By Mitchell Parker
    In this video, Kaitlyn Wolfe shows how she created more storage and better style in her Arizona home
    Full Story41
    Wheelchair-Accessible Design Brings Joy to Homeowners
    Homes Around the WorldWheelchair-Accessible Design Brings Joy to Homeowners
    By Núria Moreras
    Architects found on Houzz renovate a home to improve a family’s quality of life and lighten up the space
    Full Story42
    Outdoor Lover’s Dream Home in the Cascade Mountain Foothills
    Modern HomesOutdoor Lover’s Dream Home in the Cascade Mountain Foothills
    By Julie Sheer
    An architect designs a modern Pacific Northwest home for enjoying nature, the sun and the seasons
    Full Story43
    Tour a Spanish Colonial-Style Beach Home With Amazing Ocean Views
    In Case You Missed ItTour a Spanish Colonial-Style Beach Home With Amazing Ocean Views
    By Mitchell Parker
    In this video, designer Rachel Morrison gives a virtual tour of her client’s richly detailed Southern California home
    Full Story16
    New Style and Openness for a Family-Friendly Illinois Home
    Before and AftersNew Style and Openness for a Family-Friendly Illinois Home
    By Nora Burba Trulsson
    An interior designer updates his suburban family home with a light and airy palette of white, wood and warm gray
    Full Story55
    Swedish Home Doubles as an Art Gallery
    Homes Around the WorldSwedish Home Doubles as an Art Gallery
    By Sara Norrman
    When this couple moved to the country, they built the perfect home for their family — and their art gallery
    Full Story21
    Watch 5 of Our Favorite Houzz TV Videos of 2020
    Trending NowWatch 5 of Our Favorite Houzz TV Videos of 2020
    By Mitchell Parker
    Take an armchair tour through several stylish homes with this curated collection of videos from Houzz TV
    Full Story0
    The 10 Most Popular Houzz Tours of 2020
    Trending NowThe 10 Most Popular Houzz Tours of 2020
    By Becky Harris
    Visit a 175-square-foot house, a grand 1920s neoclassical home and other inspiring spaces
    Full Story6
    Tour an Australian Designer’s Modern-Meets-Traditional Home
    Houzz TV LiveTour an Australian Designer’s Modern-Meets-Traditional Home
    By Mitchell Parker
    In this video, Jess Hunter shows how she used furniture and a central fireplace to create zones in her open-plan home
    Full Story9
    Tour a Designer’s Personality-Filled Home in Austin, Texas
    Houzz TV LiveTour a Designer’s Personality-Filled Home in Austin, Texas
    By Mitchell Parker
    In this video, Jessica Love shows how she created inviting, lived-in style with art, wood details and casual furnishings
    Full Story25
    Step Inside a London Designer’s Elegant Edwardian Home
    Houzz TV LiveStep Inside a London Designer’s Elegant Edwardian Home
    By Mitchell Parker
    In this video, Claudia Dorsch takes viewers through the family home she designed to bridge modern and traditional styles
    Full Story10
    Subtle Luxury and Breathtaking Views on a Spanish Island
    Homes Around the WorldSubtle Luxury and Breathtaking Views on a Spanish Island
    By Rafael F. Bermejo
    A sustainable home on Formentera melds with the rock bed, highlighting the sculptural beauty of the local geology
    Full Story23
    Shop Related Categories
    Lighting
    Lighting
    Bar Stools & Counter Stools
    Bar Stools & Counter Stools
    Artwork
    Artwork
    Dining Tables
    Dining Tables
    Dining Chairs
    Dining Chairs
    Pendant Lighting
    Pendant Lighting
    Sponsored
    Bull Run Kitchen and Bath
    155 Reviews
    Loudoun's Expert Kitchen & Bath Renovation Firm I Best of Houzz 2018
    People who liked this story also liked
    Before and After: Family Home Refreshed for a New Lifestyle
    Before and After: Family Home Refreshed for a New LifestyleFull Story
    Houzz Tour: Family-Friendly With a Home-School Suite
    Houzz Tour: Family-Friendly With a Home-School SuiteFull Story
    Houzz Tour: Home Returns to Its Modern Roots
    Houzz Tour: Home Returns to Its Modern RootsFull Story
    Step Inside a Designer’s Modern Scandinavian-Style Desert Home
    Step Inside a Designer’s Modern Scandinavian-Style Desert HomeFull Story
    Wheelchair-Accessible Design Brings Joy to Homeowners
    Wheelchair-Accessible Design Brings Joy to HomeownersFull Story
    Outdoor Lover’s Dream Home in the Cascade Mountain Foothills
    Outdoor Lover’s Dream Home in the Cascade Mountain FoothillsFull Story
    Tour a Spanish Colonial-Style Beach Home With Amazing Ocean Views
    Tour a Spanish Colonial-Style Beach Home With Amazing Ocean ViewsFull Story
    New Style and Openness for a Family-Friendly Illinois Home
    New Style and Openness for a Family-Friendly Illinois HomeFull Story
    Swedish Home Doubles as an Art Gallery
    Swedish Home Doubles as an Art GalleryFull Story
    Watch 5 of Our Favorite Houzz TV Videos of 2020
    Watch 5 of Our Favorite Houzz TV Videos of 2020Full Story
    Sponsored
    Above Board Construction
    6 Reviews
    Custom Deck & Outdoor Enclosure Solutions in Loudoun County
    • United States
    • ABOUT
    • CAREERS
    • MOBILE APPS
    • PROFESSIONALS
    • BUTTONS
    • FOR BRANDS
    • SELL
    • Privacy & Notice
    • Terms
    • © 2021 Houzz Inc.