Architecture Wednesday: Cliff House

Since marriage equality has passed in Washington, Carlos and I were thinking about purchasing a little something, as kind of a weekend getaway, as kind of a wedding site, as kind of a dream.
And this house, Cliff House, located in Gig Harbor,is perfect.
The home is tucked against the wall of a natural cliff and sits right on the water’s edge, making design and construction a unique challenge. The footprint for the new house replaces that of an old guest house and boathouse, but the size of the new structure was limited by an agreement through a regulatory process.
So, the design makes the roof of the home, the new front lawn, topped by  a glass-enclosed elevator--very Maxwell Smart--that provides access to the two floors below. 
On the water level, an outdoor living space is nestled between the house and a new boathouse--you know, if you're going to live on the water you must have a boat and boathouse. A set of stairs leads down to the water and are incorporated into a series of decks, terraces, and bridges that create spaces for living and entertaining. This area also features a wood-burning pizza oven and an outdoor fireplace.
Pizza and roasting marshmallows. Hook up a wine cooler and I'm in.
Inside the house, one gets the feel of being aboard a ship, with Douglas fir ceilings, walls, and trim. There are oversized windows and doors that allow you access to the outdoors or bring the outside in. The exterior materials were selected for their abilities to withstand a marine environment, and include copper, concrete, metal window cladding, and cedar. 
And it isn't just pretty and peaceful. Sustainable techniques such as sunscreens, a green roof, and complete envelope integrity are featured.
In other words, it's green.
And I'm green....with envy.

via Scott Allen Architecture