Hat Island Residence Contemporary Architecture by Bjarko & Serra Architects

Bjarko | Serra Architects have sent us one of their contemporary house design project located on an extraordinary beachfront setting. The two story house was designed as two separate buildings—one for living and eating, and the other for sleeping—which was intended to provide extra privacy as for example late-night entertaining won’t disturb sleeping children or weary parents.


Located at the northwest corner of Hat Island in Puget Sound near Washington’s San Juan Islands, the home is on a narrow waterfront site situated in a relatively dense beach front development of single family homes. Except for the adjacent development to the north and south, the area is in a pristine marine environment where the experience of the water and wildlife is essential to being there.


The homeowners’ desire was to have a modern vacation house that maximizes the unique beach site and provides a comfortable central gathering space to experience the waterfront and accommodate passive activities. The property and house are co-owned by 2 families, so the design had to provide sufficient space for large groups sharing the facilities.



The 2 story portion of the house contains sleeping areas and is oriented along the north property line to provide a buffer from a neighboring development. The semi- transparent 1 story pavilion contains the living spaces and hugs the beach front with an unassuming presence. Sliding window-walls minimize the barrier between interior and exterior spaces. Decks surrounding the house allow for easy movement throughout the site.



Selecting materials and detailing for the shell of the building based on durability also had primary importance given the exposed nature of the site. The materials include Western Red Cedar channel siding over a rainscreen system, Cembonit cement panels over a rainscreen system, Tigerwood decking, galvanized railings, standing seam metal roofing.



Interiors were decorated by designer Julie Myers. Photography by Ben Benschneider. Contributed by Alison Mallahan from Hill & Knowlton

Thanks : nhit-shis.org