Prentiss Balance Wickline cape san juan
Description
The Cape San Juan residence overlooks the waters of the Salish Sea from a rare undeveloped waterfront lot with direct beach access. Gently sloping north toward the shoreline, the site offered expansive views but also presented challenges of exposure and proximity to neighboring homes on either side. The design takes advantage of view corridors and solar orientation, while creating privacy from nearby neighbors; resulting in a house that feels simultaneously sheltered and open. The architectural diagram is conceptualized as a protective "shell." Along the east and west edges, more solid walls shield the interior spaces from adjacent properties. To the north and south, the structure opens generously to capture both panoramic water views and a strong connection to the forested landscape on the inland side. The U-shaped floor plan surrounds a private courtyard. Here you are protected from the wind, dappled with filtered southern light throughout the day and can still enjoy views to the sea. Where glazing isn't necessary, Alaskan yellow cedar clads the internal walls of the courtyard, bringing warmth to the protected space. Because of the site's low bank, the house is positioned above the designated flood zone in a grove of shoreline trees. A steel-framed deck cantilevers out past the flood line, extending the living space toward the water. A striking old madrona tree is almost within reach of the deck and is beautifully framed by the sliding glass doors at the living room. The living/dining/kitchen volume rises three feet above the adjacent wings, allowing for uninterrupted clerestory windows around the north, east, and west sides. The roof also tilts up to the south, letting even more natural light penetrate the interior.
Details
Year: 2026
Architect
Description
The Cape San Juan residence overlooks the waters of the Salish Sea from a rare undeveloped waterfront lot with direct beach access. Gently sloping north toward the shoreline, the site offered expansive views but also presented challenges of exposure and proximity to neighboring homes on either side. The design takes advantage of view corridors and solar orientation, while creating privacy from nearby neighbors; resulting in a house that feels simultaneously sheltered and open. The architectural diagram is conceptualized as a protective "shell." Along the east and west edges, more solid walls shield the interior spaces from adjacent properties. To the north and south, the structure opens generously to capture both panoramic water views and a strong connection to the forested landscape on the inland side. The U-shaped floor plan surrounds a private courtyard. Here you are protected from the wind, dappled with filtered southern light throughout the day and can still enjoy views to the sea. Where glazing isn't necessary, Alaskan yellow cedar clads the internal walls of the courtyard, bringing warmth to the protected space. Because of the site's low bank, the house is positioned above the designated flood zone in a grove of shoreline trees. A steel-framed deck cantilevers out past the flood line, extending the living space toward the water. A striking old madrona tree is almost within reach of the deck and is beautifully framed by the sliding glass doors at the living room. The living/dining/kitchen volume rises three feet above the adjacent wings, allowing for uninterrupted clerestory windows around the north, east, and west sides. The roof also tilts up to the south, letting even more natural light penetrate the interior.
Details
Year: 2026
