platform a + d develops sky house as an isolated refuge

platform a + d develops sky house as an isolated refuge
all images © the morrisons

platform architecture + design have created the ‘sky house’ set in the semi-arid foothills among the vast landscape of washington state. the structure is constructed with two materials: cross-laminated timber panels for the interior and unfinished steel sheets for the exterior – purposely untreated to patina into an ochre-red – referencing the surrounding weathered bedrock.

on the ground floor, large south facing windows open onto a sloping knoll with expansive views

the scheme involved creating a distinct relationship to its landscape. comprised of two floors, a large south facing window invites natural light into the open-plan interiors with the rest of the vertical apertures framing specific views. ‘the experience within the cabin is a balance of prospect and refuge. a strong sense of enclosure combined with spacious, light filled spaces creates connections to the surrounding landscape.’

a strong sense of enclosure combined with light filled spaces creates connections to the surrounding landscape

prefabricated off site, the design of the cabin involved sustainable strategies including solar power for the electrical system, combined with propane for water heating and cooking. the small footprint involved incorporating space-saving techniques such as having a bathroom placed upstairs adjacent to the loft bedroom in order to create a more usable space on the ground floor. a daybed on the ground floor – referencing train cabins – is separated from the living area with velvet curtains for guest accommodation and when the bed is lifted, there is a recessed bathtub.

sliding glass panels allow the inside space to spill outside on summer evenings

the walls are highly insulated with mineral-wool, and carefully detailed to minimize infiltration

space-saving strategies were used due to the cabin’s compact footprint

a recessed bathtub is hidden below the bed platform

the envelope is clad in untreated steel in order for the metal to patina over time

a linear shed building on the east side provides additional storage and an outdoor kitchen and shower area

floorplan of the cabin