As construction begins on a pristine site, it can be painful to watch the earthwork. Carpets of native grasses and flowers are ripped up and certain trees inevitably must be removed to make way for a new house.
In the case of Wildflower House, the site's unspoiled meadows and forest demanded a careful approach. This included hiring a native plant specialist, whose team restored lush vegetation to areas damaged during construction. In addition, the surrounding forest was thinned of small-diameter trees according to "firewise" best practices. The result is a healthy and beautiful site that remains hospitable to abundant wildlife.
Nestled thoughtfully in the terrain, the design is a response to the site's landscape as well as the needs of the family of four who inhabit it. It consists of three wood-clad boxes that climb a moderate slope, tucked behind a prominent knoll. The boxes enclose a kitchen/living/dining wing, a bedroom wing, and a separate guest house. The kitchen/living/dining and bedroom wings are held together by the glazed entry, which provides views through to the meadow to the east. From the entry, one can ascend a short flight of steps to the bedrooms or descend to the living room. The house and guest house create a semi-enclosed grassy area that dissolves into the native landscape. A large patio for dining extends the living space out towards the forested valley to the south. Deep overhangs shade interiors from sun in summer and provide some clear space at the perimeter in winter.
The house is full of life, as the owners routinely host friends, family, and an assortment of pets. The kitchen is a focal point, with abundant natural light and a large island for shared cooking and serving. Although the house is not large, it accomodates a high-ceilinged primary suite and two small bedrooms for the children, as well as two Murphy beds in the guest house. The children's bedrooms open via pocket doors to a windowed nook the size of an extra long twin mattress. The bedrooms and nook create a "kid zone," perfect for sleepovers, reading, and play with friends and family.
The guest house provides additional space for guests and an office that looks out into a deep ravine to the north.
