Modest Sustainable Hill House by David Coleman Architecture

Design, Sustainable Design

Modest Sustainable Hill House by David Coleman Architecture

Situated on a long, narrow, rocky hillside, near the town of Winthrop Washington, this sustainable House is designed by David Coleman Architecture. Constructed with a 20’ wide x 115’ long stepped platform, this Hill House is a shelter formed by the roof and east wall, and several gabion stone walls. The building reads and lives like a habitable landscape, adapting to the changing seasons and needs of its occupants. In short, this is a modest, sustainable building with a big presence in a big landscape.

Sustainable Hill House design by David Coleman Architecture

A light-framed, wood platform steps up the hillside and floats above it. Interior and exterior functions are delineated by a glass wall that wraps three sides of the structure. Finish materials are common throughout, blurring the line between inside and out. The result is a seasonally expansive structure, generous in summer (2200 SF), modest and efficient in winter (1100 SF).

Hill House Patio Deck design by David Coleman Architecture

The east wall cuts into the land like a rusty blade, evoking the cultural history of the mining encampments found in the area and providing privacy from the adjacent country road. It offers a defensive backdrop when viewed from the interior and, combined with the shelter provided by the roof, and warmth provided by the wood stove/fire pit, lends a primordial feel to the building that is unexpected in this thoroughly modern structure.

Hill House Outdoor Space design by David Coleman Architecture

Gabion stone walls bridge between building and landscape, offering retaining, context and privacy. Construction waste was dramatically reduced by incorporating these walls, which are made from the spoils of the building’s excavations.

Hill House Exterior design by David Coleman Architecture

Sustainable materials, technologies and techniques are used throughout. Recycled steel, sustainably harvested wood, BIBS insulation in oversized wall and ceiling cavities, on-demand hot water, low-flow fixtures and convection heat are all employed. Fenestration is designed to encourage passive solar radiation in winter. In summer, roofs and walls are vented to dissipate heat, and large overhangs, combined with seasonally-deployed, exterior sun shades (made from the same fabric used to shield fruit trees on nearby orchards) protect the glass from summer sun. In addition, the building’s wedge shape and site orientation result in a solar chimney effect, encouraging natural ventilation and evaporative cooling.

Sustainable Hill House Interior design by David Coleman Architecture

Hill House Fireplace design by David Coleman Architecture

Hill House Bedroom design by David Coleman Architecture

Hill House Kids room design by David Coleman Architecture

Modest Hill House Bathroom design by David Coleman Architecture

Hill House design by David Coleman Architecture

Rocky Hillside House design by David Coleman Architecture

 
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