Situated in the picturesque Pacific Northwest, the Discovery Bay House exemplifies an exceptional blend of design innovation, ecological mindfulness, and captivating aesthetics. Nestled within a lush forest in Port Townsend, Washington, this modern timber residence stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of Dekleva Gregoric Architects, who brought the client’s vision to life.
Designed for Michael Ross, whose journey from New York to Los Angeles’s entertainment landscape endowed him with a unique perspective, the home was inspired by Ross’s appreciation for a previous project by the architects. After seeing an ocean-view residence they designed in Maui, he was instantly drawn to their approach, motivating him to create a retreat where he could host family and friends amidst sweeping views of nature.
The initial conversation between Michael and the architectural team became pivotal, establishing a collaborative spirit that would define the project’s trajectory. Clearly articulate about his preferences, Michael favored order over chaos and orthogonal geometric forms over fluid designs.
This preference guided the architects in crafting a design that emphasized rectangular volumes and modular arrangements, ensuring clarity and harmony throughout the living environment. The selection of the site was also critical. With consultation from Dekleva Gregoric Architects, they settled on a magnificent plot overlooking Discovery Bay, with a gentle slope that faced the breathtaking Olympic Mountains.
The topography presented not only a challenge but also an opportunity to thoughtfully integrate the design within the natural landscape, preserving as much of the existing contour as possible. The architect’s vision for the space was to create a horizontal living experience that spoke to the need for expansive comfort on a single level, while also providing guests with a dynamic and engaging spatial experience.
Central to this concept was the idea of layering different experiences within the home. Michael’s primary experience would take place at ground level, while guests would embark on a vertical journey through the residence, enhancing both autonomy and privacy.
To respect the site’s natural characteristics, the foundation of the home consists of a reinforced concrete slab, allowing it to integrate with the terrain without disrupting it. Above this stable base, a three-dimensional structural grid crafted from Douglas fir posts and beams emerges, encapsulating the essential form of the Discovery Bay House.
The choice of timber as the primary building material reflects a commitment to ecological architecture and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere throughout the residence. This conscious selection not only aids in reducing environmental impact but also instills a tactile experience as the warmth of wood pervades the structure.
The design of Discovery Bay House is notably efficient, achieving a negative carbon footprint by actively sequestering carbon and adhering to principles of low-impact living.
The modular system that underpins the architecture allows for a celebration of orthogonal geometry, showcasing visible, exposed structural elements in traditional American building style. Between the wooden beams, birch plywood panels clad the interior spaces—each treated with a dual-toned finish that enhances the home’s aesthetic and spatial hierarchy.
Light grey finish in primary living areas provides a fresh aura, while darker tones highlight specific volumes, adding depth and guiding movement through the space.
Natural ventilation and ample daylight are crucial to the design ethos. Every room features strategically placed windows across from each other, facilitating cross-ventilation and promoting a bright, airy ambiance. The interplay of volumetric spaces enhances airflow, exemplifying the architects’ commitment to sustainable design practices, crafting an environment imbued with dynamic rhythm and movement.
Externally, the house is clad in treated cedar wood, its darker varnish allowing it to blend harmoniously with the surrounding woods. The vertical wooden planks, arranged in two directions, echo the texture of tree trunks, creating a strong connection between the residence and its forested environment. As dappled sunlight filters through the foliage, the façade transforms, creating a captivating visual dialogue with the natural world.
Overall, Discovery Bay House serves not just as a living space but as a narrative steeped in rhythm and discovery. Its intelligently designed structural grid establishes consistent organization while the warm textures, tonal variations, and light interplay craft an inviting journey through the home.
This duality reflects a mathematically precise structure deeply rooted in its organic surroundings, facilitating a series of engaging spatial relations, including indoor-outdoor transitions via a covered terrace, notable double-height spaces, and even an observation tower.
For the client, Michael Ross, this residence transcends mere shelter; it becomes a sanctuary for exploration and connection. The design provides a platform for gatherings while simultaneously celebrating and respecting the natural environment that influences it.
The Discovery Bay House was completed in 2024 as part of a collaboration with a talented project team from Dekleva Gregoric Architects, including skilled professionals specializing in structural engineering, construction, and project planning. The impactful journey from conception to realization showcases a commitment to architectural excellence and innovation.
Dekleva Gregoric Architects, founded in 2003, operates across the EU and the USA, consistently pushing the boundaries of design through their philosophy of research-driven architecture. The firm’s portfolio encapsulates a wide array of typologies, addressing contemporary architectural challenges while emphasizing user experience and ecological responsibility.
As they continue to redefine tradition through innovative practices, the firm remains committed to forging meaningful connections between people and their environments, as brilliantly illustrated by the Discovery Bay House.
This home encapsulates a celebration of the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty, harmonizing the ideals of modern architecture with ecological consciousness and artisan craftsmanship, paving the way for future developments in the realm of sustainable living.
image source from：e-architect
