25 Jul A warm and welcoming modernist cabin in Washington’s Methow Valley
This modernist mountain cabin was designed by CAST Architecture, nestled on two acres, near Mazama in the Methow Valley, Washington. The architects sited this dwelling to take maximum advantage of a south-facing orientation. Its horseshoe shape creates a courtyard between the wings of the home which is cooler in the summer and cozy with a fire pit in the winter.
The home’s design highlights the indoor/outdoor relationship that characterizes Methow Valley life. The twelve-foot-high bank of windows and NanaWall in the great room face southwest and provide transparency through the home, while framing breathtaking valley and mountain views.
Folding glass walls by NanaWall help connect the visually striking interiors to the equally striking terrain.
The interior wood ceiling extends out through the overhang above the veranda, further drawing the eye out and bringing in the outdoors. Concrete floors lend a more modern element to the rustic wood of the ceiling, window trim, and Douglas fir cabinets in the kitchen. The exquisite hot-rolled steel fireplace is the focal point of the great room. The metal was sourced from Johnsen Steel Works.
A centerline from the kitchen to the fireplace wall is a nod to formality. The chandelier anchors the space from either side patios and the kitchen/living room axis. The pendant lights above the kitchen island are from West Elm.
Above: This open-layout kitchen is clad in local Douglas fir and was designed for those social interactions that happen best around food. The countertop material is quartz, while the backsplash is hot-rolled steel.
What We Love: This light-filled modernist cabin celebrates an indoor-outdoor lifestyle throughout its design thanks to expansive walls of glazing. Its warm and inviting design is surrounded by a breathtaking landscape of pine trees and mountains. We love the energy-efficient details found in this home, from the concrete flooring to the low-slope roof design, to the folding glass walls that offer exceptional performance in inclement weather.
Tell Us: What are your overall thoughts on the design of this dwelling? Would you change any of the details if this were your personal home? Let us know in the Comments below!
Note: Take a look at a couple of other superb home tours that we have highlighted here on One Kindesign in the state of Washington: Compact woodsy cabin meets mid-century modern in Methow Valley and See this extraordinary steel clad cabin in the breathtaking Methow Valley.
The roof height was intentional, to protect from the summer heat, and allow the winter sun in to warm up the space.
The primary bedroom wing of this modernist cabin includes one bedroom, bathroom, walk-in closet with laundry room and dog bed, and connection to the outdoor dog run. Obscure glass and a built-in Douglas fir headboard create the shared wall with the bathroom, bringing in extra light to the spaces.
On the opposite side, the utility wing starts just off the kitchen with a pantry and food prep area. A multipurpose room includes space for a guest bedroom with a Murphy bed and built-in cabinetry, an office, and a game area. The area can be separated by a pocketed curtain.
Green Design: The home’s siting takes advantage of solar gain and, the use of local materials including the local quarry.
PHOTOGRAPHER Andrew Giammarco Photography