Hawkins Way is a retreat for a young family in the heart of Whidbey Island, a simple home secluded at the base of an old gully and surrounded by forest on all sides. In contrast to the family's sunny dwelling in Seattle open to vast views, the house offers a direct connection to the quintessential Pacific Northwest: dense woods, a quiet lake nearby, and filtered light. The entry with a deep overhag separates the house into the chevron-shaped shared space on one side and on the other: a private bedroom wing that extends into the woods, following the contours of the gully. The house is accessed by a natural wooded path leading from the parking area, and its interior and the exterior accentuates the experiences of nature: the dark stained cedar siding, the railing panels with perforated design reflecting the dappled light, the expansive overhangs, the warm and welcoming interiors.