Suncrest Residence / Heliotrope ArchitectsBy Kelly Minner — Filed under : Houses , Selected , AIA Seattle , Heliotrope Architects , Orcas Island , USA , Washington © Benjamin BenschniederLocated in Orcas Island , Washington , Suncrest Residence sits among trees , rocks , ponds , and bald eagle nests . Heliotrope Architects designed this new residence to minimize site disturbance and blend in with its existing environment . The result is an award winning residence ( Merit Award 2010 AIA Honor Awards for Washington Architecture ) . More photographs and drawings following the break . Architects : Heliotrope ArchitectsLocation : Orcas Island , Washington , USAStructural : Swenson Say FagetGeneral Contractor : RavenhillProject Area : 3 , 000 sqfProject Year : 2009 Photographs : Sean Airhart and Benjamin Benschnieder © Benjamin BenschniederThis new residence is located on a pristine 26 acre site comprised of a mature douglas fir and pacific madrone forest , with occasional rocky clearings and several small ponds . The site is ecologically sensitive , with bald eagle nests and trees prone to blight if disturbed . Further , soil coverage is minimal over the native basalt , therefore stormwater management is a serious concern . Our clients desired a work of architecture that took into consideration these constraints and minimized site impacts while creating a work of architecture that utilized their favorite materials ( wood and concrete ) and connected them intimately with the land and the view . © Sean AirhartOur design solution situates the home where the forest gives way to a large rocky clearing with views to the sea . The structure is ‘ wrapped ’ around a prominent outcropping of rock and carefully situated to require a minimum of tree removal . Strict site access protocols were put in place for the duration of construction in order to minimize site disturbance , and the landscape has been carefully restored . site planThe long , narrow footprint of the home allows every room a view of the sea while also retaining a strong connection to the surrounding forest . The material palette was chosen to harmonize with the colors and textures of the natural surroundings – primary materials consist of wood from the forest ( doulgas fir and madrone ) , concrete , zinc , steel and glass . This palette has a strong dialogue with the art collection featured throughout the home – most of which is the work of the wife . floor plan © Benjamin Benschnieder © Benjamin Benschnieder © Benjamin Benschnieder © Benjamin Benschnieder © Benjamin Benschnieder © Sean Airhart © Sean Airhart © Sean Airhartsite planfloor plan