Set among 10 acres along its namesake creek, the Wolf Creek House is a testament to its owners’ clear vision and the collaborative process. The owners are avid naturalists, and their love of nature is incorporated into every element of the design. When siting the house, we centered the patio on their favorite spot directly under the frequent flight path of a local Red-Tail Hawk. By setting the main house behind this patio on one side and the guest house on the other, the structures share the vista beyond while retaining their sense of privacy.

The materials chosen complement the natural environment of the Methow Valley. The harsh summers and winters are reflected in the weathering of the corrugated steel siding. Along the back, protected by the overhang of the roof, Western red cedar echoes the nearby forests. The cedar continues through to the entry wall, which greets visitors upon walking through the door. Moving through the space, a wall of glass windows bathe the house in natural light along with stunning views of the valley. Focused pops up color, like the chartreuse of the kitchen backsplash, draw their inspiration from nature - in this case, from the color of the wolf lichen living on nearby trees.

The house not only speaks to the owner’s love of nature, but is supremely livable. The one-bedroom main house has a large, open living space for entertaining, with plenty of floor and outdoor space for their grandchildren to play. When bed time rolls around, the adjacent one-bedroom guest can comfortably sleep eight with smart solutions like a bunk room for the children.

LOCATION Winthrop, WA
AREA 850 + 750 SF
COMPLETED 2019
PHOTOGRAPHY Benjamin Drummond