The San Juan Islands are an archipelago located in Washington state populated with high end custom homes and remodels and staggering natural beauty. This extraordinary Pacific Northwest region is comprised of hundreds of named islands and reefs spanning from Washington to British Columbia, Canada. Four of the islands are accessible by vehicle using the Washington State Ferry system. These islands are Shaw, Lopez, Orcas, and San Juan Island and Vandervort Architects has experience working on each of these unique islands. Vandervort Architects also has extensive experience working on homes and cabins located on smaller islands accessible only by private boats, small planes, and water taxis. Vandervort Architects has designed numerous custom homes and remodels across the San Juan Islands over the past three decades. Given the remote locations and sensitive site conditions in the San Juan Islands, Vandervort Architects approaches each remodel project with deep consideration and thoughtfulness to create sustainable solutions that respond to the natural, cultural and local environment and improve wellness, comfort, and value to homeowners. San Juan Island sustainable, custom residential homes and remodels are a central focus at Vandervort Architects, and we value the connections and relationships that our experience has provided us with.
Many of the islands have land characteristics including steep, rocky, forested hillsides with grassy valleys, gravel and sand beaches, and spectacular views. Site geology features, species of vegetation and wildlife, site elevation, and wind channels contribute to unique microclimates that can change drastically from one site to the next. With this scenic environment brings site challenges and opportunities that Vandervort Architects can help identify, resolve jurisdictional approval, and provide innovative and constructable solutions in ways that are sensitive to the land and feel connected to nature.
Great architecture in the San Juan Islands include design solutions that highlight the natural features of the land, integrate with the regional environment, and provide environmentally sensitive solutions. San Juan Island homes often have character deeply rooted in Pacific Northwest Architecture, but need expansion, alteration, repair, or reimagination to fit the homeowner’s goals and embrace the site. For every remodel project, Vandervort Architects strives to find design solutions that are environmentally conscious and make choices to care for the earth’s resources. Remodeling existing homes to fit our clients’ needs and desires is one way we can sustainably regenerate resources that already exist.
One such Vandervort remodel project is on Orcas Island, located within a Shoreline Buffer for the Salish Sea. The existing home had fantastic sea views on three sides and a sun-filled forest view to the east, but the interior space configurations were not taking advantage of this dramatic site. The original house was a northwest inspired home perched high above a rocky shoreline, so preserving most of the waterside footprint was critical due to shoreline proximity and sensitive site conditions. The inland side of the house has a beautiful forest, but a large driveway originally dominated the landscape adjacent to the home. The entry door was obscured away from the primary pedestrian arrival path and there was no direct connection to the dock and shoreline. The covered deck overlooking the water was a favorite gathering place, but the interior areas felt disconnected to nature and the views.
The south side of the house is now rebuilt to include an intimate great room with a new, wood-burning fireplace, vaulted ceilings, exposed wood beams and larger sea views. Motorized clerestory dormer windows and corner sliding doors connect the home to the adjacent outdoor spaces and encourage passive heating and cooling techniques. The dining room is configured to easily expand for large dinner parties and holiday gatherings. Removing the existing wall between the living room and kitchen allows for a new breakfast nook and increases the light and views in both spaces. In place of the existing driveway, a new patio and path with native materials and landscaping gradually lead toward the new entry porch. The entry expansion facing the primary pedestrian arrival path creates a clear destination and focal point and increases utility and functionality inside the home. The pedestrian arrival path was previously along a wide gravel driveway, so Vandervort Architects worked in collaboration with local craftspeople to revitalize the natural landscape around the home. New natural stone steps, native plants, and stones were thoughtfully curated to join the home with the land.
Increasing access to views, daylight, bedrooms, and outdoor space on the waterside was another key goal for this project. The new primary bedroom suite now has a balcony opening toward the sea, and the original main level deck was rebuilt with new detailing. The kitchen and breakfast nook have pass-through windows and a pair of swinging doors connecting to a new covered deck. Increasing the roof coverings and adding heating elements allows this deck to be used year-round now. Throughout the house, expanding window and door openings successfully connects this house to daylight and the natural surroundings. To increase interior spaces without significantly expanding the footprint, unfinished attics became new bedrooms, a walk-in closet, a new primary bathroom, and a laundry room using carefully designed dormers. A steeply graded crawlspace and exterior storage area below the main level was also reconfigured to include a new back entry, a boathouse, solar mechanical room, a scuba locker, and conditioned storage all within the existing footprint.
While this Orcas Island remodel presented uniquely challenging conditions and constraints, Vandervort Architects brings the same creativity and attention to detail to all remodel projects. We have experience working on exterior-focused aesthetic updates, dormer additions, kitchen remodels, and near complete rebuilds. Each remodel project presents unique challenges and opportunities, unknown existing conditions, and exciting discoveries during construction. Our experience allows us to find appropriate and innovative solutions to create high-end architecture that responds to the region, the site and our client.
Written by: Laura Lundgren Project Architect
