Inside a House Designed Around Nature | North Bay Residence

Set on a restricted site overlooking Griffin Bay on San Juan Island, North Bay Residence was shaped by the challenge of preserving its natural surroundings. Three mature, old-growth trees occupied the most practical building area, so the architects chose to keep them, compressing the house and positioning it tightly within the site's setbacks. The nearby county road also influenced the design, requiring a careful balance between privacy, views, and connection to the landscape. The house is organized around a continuous stone wall that begins at the parking area, guides visitors to the entrance, passes through the interior, and extends beyond the house. It creates a strong boundary from the road while organizing the spaces around it. Living areas and the master suite face Griffin Bay while more enclosed rooms are placed toward the hillside, creating a clear transition between protected and open spaces within the 2,800 square foot plan. A lighter glass pavilion contrasts with the stone wall and becomes the main living zone. Glazed surfaces capture views and daylight from multiple directions, while steel framing and heavy timber elements support the transparent volume. Sliding and large glass openings strengthen the connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape, creating a balance between solid, protective spaces and open areas facing the bay. The material palette reinforces this contrast with glass, steel, heavy timber, stone, and slate flooring, complemented by concrete panel chimneys that anchor the pavilion. Durable steel frame windows and powder-coated exterior sheathing respond to the island's exposed climate. Ultimately, the design shows how site restrictions can become architectural opportunities, preserving trees, controlling privacy, framing views, and creating a strong relationship between the house and its landscape.