Architecture Wednesday: Studhorse

Studhorse; I was intrigued by the name for some reason.

The home, designed by Olson Kundig sits in the remote Methow Valley on a 20-acre site because the clients had a desire to experience and engage the surrounding environment throughout all four seasons.

The idea behind the design is that of “circling wagons” with the buildings—four small, unattached structures—all scattered about a central courtyard and pool. Traditional boundaries between the built structures and its surroundings are purposefully blurred, so that the family can experience the site and nature. With the four buildings oriented toward the courtyard, the design is oriented toward family life and entertaining.

Public areas—family room, kitchen and bar—are grouped together in the common area pavilion, while the private areas—the master bedroom, kids’ bedroom, and den—are secluded in an adjacent building guest rooms are isolated to allow for independent use. A sauna is also removed from the other buildings with a privately framed view looking out over the valley below.

Studhorse is built of tough building materials, steel and glass, to stand up to the equally tough environmental conditions—from hot, fire-prone summers to snowy winters; the wood siding was salvaged from an old barn in the valley. Over time as the wood and steel weather, the home will become more and more muted in appearance, blending into the landscape.

It seems so peaceful, but then my mind wanders to what happens when I run out of wine and forget to buy some at the store ... it’s quite a haul just for a case of Pinot, no?

Click to emBIGGERate the floorplans.

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