Tieton, Washington


2000 AIA NW and Pacific Region Merit Award
1998 AIA/National Concrete Masonry Association "Best of Program" Award
1998 AIA Seattle Merit Award



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The site for this home is an 180 acre ranch at the base of the Cascade Mountains near the small town of Tieton Washington. At 1800 feet in elevation, the ranch sits on a plateau with dramatic views west to the mountains and east to the Naches River valley. The owner's desires for the home were twofold; to provide a home base for regular trips to the ranch, and eventually serve as a second home for extended stays. The house is situated at the edge of the orchard, accessed by a long drive through the array of fruit trees and massive poplars. Prevalent wind was a primary factor in the design of the home, influencing the decision to tuck the house into a hillside for shelter. Further wind protection is gained by the construction of a wall at one end of an open carport, with a large sliding door to access the house and shut out the wind. The wall also provides security, as the owners are absent for much of the time. The building materials are rugged; concrete block walls, used to hold back the hillside are exposed inside and out. Recycled Douglas fir purlins are set on exposed steel beams and columns which are canted to mimic the old orchard props used to support fruit laden branches. The distinction between indoor and outdoor space is blurred by the use of a stained concrete floor which extends to the outdoor room, and oversized windows, including a 10' x 9' custom slider.

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