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photo of False Bay Residence
Photo: Benjamin Benschneider

False Bay Residence

San Juan Island, Washington

False Bay Residence

San Juan Island, Washington

  • Design Principal

    Kirsten Ring Murray

  • Design Mentor

    Tom Kundig

This single-family home is situated to maximize sweeping views of Haro Strait and the Olympic Mountains. A 15-foot-tall opaque entry door pivots open to reveal a view of the Sound through a double-height glazed living and dining space. The owners envisioned a home for both entertaining friends and relaxing as a family. The compact plan groups spaces for efficiency and minimizes unnecessary circulation.

Light and solar heat gain can be adjusted with four, 20-foot-tall exterior sliding wood shutters that extend across the entire west facade. Deep roof overhangs also provide shade and cover from direct sunlight and storms, while the hopper window above the entry door helps to naturally ventilate the house.

The spirit of efficiency extends to the limited material palette—wood, concrete, steel—simple, relatively low maintenance materials that, paired with energy-efficient glass and ready access to light-filled spaces, reduce the impact on the environment.

There were existing agricultural buildings on site, so we thought the house could take its cue directly from those vernacular structures—steeply pitched roof, open interior, loft space and overall height.  Kirsten Ring Murray, FAIA

Team

Publications

2022

O’Grady, Matt. “Home Tour: A Stunning Modern Coastal Farmhouse from Olson Kundig.” Western Living Magazine, 4 Mar. 2022. Web.

Pizzi, Donna. “A Storied Past.” Portrait of Portland, Feb. 2022, 102-113. Print.

Pizzi, Donna. “A Storied Past.” Portrait of Portland, 17 Feb. 2022. Web.

Pizzi, Donna. “A Storied Past.” Portrait of Seattle, Feb. 2022, 102-113. Print.

2020

“10 Architects and Designers on How the Pandemic Will Change Our Homes Forever.” Dwell, 26 Mar. 2020. Web.

“False Bay Residence.” Architizer, 15 Jan. 2020. Web.

2012

Teagarden, Rebecca. “Picking Up.” The Seattle Times: Pacific NW Magazine, 23 Sept. 2012, 16-20. Print.