Introduction to NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU

NOT A HOTEL opens sales for fractional ownership of its RUSUTSU location, a 2,574-square-meter villa designed by Snøhetta at the summit of Rusutsu Resort in Hokkaidō, Japan. Scheduled to open in spring 2029, the property is the company’s largest to date, offering direct access to Rusutsu’s ski slopes alongside panoramic views of Mount Yotei, often called the Mount Fuji of Hokkaidō.

Design and Layout

Snøhetta’s design is guided by the concept of the zenith, the highest point in the sky above a location, which here becomes an architectural metaphor and spatial strategy. The structure is built around a central courtyard, while the layout shifts between lively communal zones, private rooms, and wellness areas, including a gym, sauna, and a series of indoor and outdoor baths.

images courtesy of NOT A HOTEL and Snøhetta

Stacked Volumes and Spatial Strategy

The team at Snøhetta forms the villa from two slender, stacked volumes in reinforced concrete that curve gently toward Mount Yotei, echoing the surrounding mountain ranges and the triangular shape of the site. Inside, a 400-square-meter living-dining space is defined by a suspended chimney and skylights framing the sky, while a lounge above overlooks the volcanic peak. Bathing areas range from an open-air infinity pool to cave-like meditation baths carved in stone. Upstairs, a primary suite and three guest rooms each feature private bathrooms, while a dedicated ski lounge connects directly to the slopes with space for equipment storage.

Location and Seasonal Landscapes

Set within Shikotsu-Tōya National Park, Rusutsu Resort is located about 90 minutes from Sapporo’s New Chitose Airport. Receiving an average of 14 meters of snowfall annually, the resort is recognized among Japan’s leading ski destinations, with 37 runs across three mountains. Beyond winter, the mountaintop site of NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU is designed to embrace shifting seasonal landscapes, from green summer expanses to horizons veiled in clouds.

NOT A HOTEL opens sales for fractional ownership of its RUSUTSU location

a 2,574-square-meter villa designed by Snøhetta at the summit of Rusutsu Resort in Hokkaidō, Japan

Snøhetta’s design is guided by the concept of the zenith

Conclusion

NOT A HOTEL RUSUTSU offers a unique opportunity for fractional ownership of a luxurious mountaintop villa, designed by the renowned architecture firm Snøhetta. With its stunning location, innovative design, and world-class amenities, this property is poised to become a premier destination for ski enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. As the sales for fractional ownership begin, interested buyers can look forward to experiencing the ultimate in luxury and comfort amidst the breathtaking landscapes of Hokkaidō, Japan.

Introduction to Casa Gálvez

Casa Gálvez by Estudio Villagálvez stands at the edge of a dense residential and industrial neighborhood in León, Mexico, where the city unexpectedly meets a strip of greenery. This adjacency defines the identity of the residence that opens toward a communal landscape of mature trees, including a flamboyant (Delonix regia) and a eucalyptus, integrating them into its composition and framing them as thresholds, companions, and internal landscapes.

Entrance and Exterior

At the entrance, the flamboyant tree establishes scale and orientation before one even encounters the building. A covered zaguán, a traditional entrance passage in Spanish and Latin American architecture, mediates the passage inside, a vertical, concrete-framed space punctured by a circular oculus. This intermediary zone draws the eye upwards to the canopy and sets the tone for an experience structured around light, shadow, and the trees themselves.

all images by Jorge Succar

Suspended Wooden Core

Once inside Casa Gálvez, the space opens abruptly into a double-height volume that recalls, in contemporary form, the troje, a traditional Mexican barn used for shelter and storage. Here, however, the typology is reimagined as a suspended wooden structure that becomes the heart of the home. On the ground floor, it accommodates the kitchen and dining room, while above, it extends into a TV room and study. Floating within the central void, this suspended troje organizes collective life, maintaining visual and spatial continuity across levels.

Casa Gálvez stands at the edge of a dense residential and industrial neighborhood in León, Mexico

Architecture and Design

Architecture practice Estudio Villagálvez concentrates bedrooms and service areas into a vertical volume arranged like a small tower. Patios are interspersed to extend the interiors outward, regulating air and light, and ensuring each space retains a visual link to vegetation. The central patio in particular functions as a bioclimatic device that allows natural airflow and solar control and as a contemplative void enclosing a protected space, while tree crowns dominate the view.

the residence opens toward a communal landscape of mature trees

framing the trees as thresholds, companions, and internal landscapes

Volumetric Composition

The volumetric composition of Casa Gálvez emerges from the interplay of the entrance volume aligned with the flamboyant tree, the soaring social core, and the compact private tower. Curved lines and earthy-textured bases mediate their connections, softening the geometry. Through this layered sequence that thresholds, double heights, patios, and shadows compose, the house is revealed gradually.

a covered zaguán mediates the passage inside

the flamboyant tree establishes scale and orientation before one even encounters the building

Project Details

an experience structured around light, shadow, and the trees themselves

the wooden ceiling is a new version of the traditional granary homes

the suspended wooden structure becomes the heart of the home

name: Casa Gálvez
architect: Estudio Villagálvez | @estudiovillagalvez

location: León, Mexico

construction: Cubo Rojo | @el_cubo_rojo
landscaping: LATIKA | @latika.paisajismo

photographer: Jorge Succar | @jsuccar

Conclusion

Casa Gálvez, designed by Estudio Villagálvez, is a residence that not only respects its surroundings but also integrates them into its design. By building around existing trees and incorporating natural elements, the architects have created a unique and harmonious space that blurs the lines between indoors

Introduction to the Peloponnese House

The Peloponnese House by Point Supreme Architects is a renovated farmhouse in southern Greece that reimagines how a traditional rural dwelling can support contemporary family life. The two-story stone building, once a farmhouse and stable, was adapted to accommodate a couple and their two children, with the living areas placed upstairs and the children’s bedrooms integrated into the vaulted ground floor.

Through a series of thoughtfully-considered insertions, the architects introduce fluid connections between the previously disconnected levels to create new circulation routes, functional additions, and built-in furniture that make the house work as a unified whole.

Point Supreme renovates a farmhouse in Peloponnese, Greece | image © Filip Dujardin

Reworking the Rural Layout

With its renovation of the Peloponnese House, the team at Point Supreme Architects organizes the upper floor to house the family’s shared spaces and the parents’ bedroom. Below, the former stable with its original stone vaults was preserved, each adapted into a child’s bedroom. Timber platforms were added to provide storage and space for extra mattresses, while heavy curtains allow the sleeping areas to be separated from a central open room that serves as circulation and gathering space.

At the heart of this lower level, the bathroom is reduced to its essentials to free space for a multi-use passage room. This open configuration allows the once utilitarian ground floor to act as both circulation and gathering space, reflecting a contemporary way of inhabiting the old stone shell.

the architects reorganize the upper level with new programming | image © Filip Dujardin

Inserting New Programming into a Stone Shell

A new internal wooden staircase by Point Supreme anchors the new plan of the Peloponnese House, its base doubling as a seating tribune with concealed storage. On the garden-facing side of the house, the narrow gap beneath the veranda was enclosed to form a sunroom, or liakoto. This addition is programmed with a kitchenette, a daybed, and a small study corner, creating a threshold between indoor living and the surrounding landscape. On the opposite side, a former storeroom has been adapted into a practical workshop.

Upstairs, the architects introduced a reconstructed wooden interior facade, known as an ontas, to define the living room and fireplace. The facing built-in seating continues the rural tradition of convivial gathering spaces. A cutout in the timber floor creates a direct link between levels, offering a second access point downstairs through a discreet trap door.

minimalist timber interventions contrast with the rusticated stone shell | image © Filip Dujardin

Preservation and Innovation

PointSupreme approaches the renovation of Peloponnese House with the care of an excavation. Hidden materials, uncovered during the process, were preserved wherever possible: stone walls patched with rough concrete, original window frames in shades of mustard, pistachio, and ceramic red, and the corrugated aluminum roof weighed down with stones. These gestures respect the spontaneous, utilitarian choices of the original builders while bringing them into dialogue with the new additions.

New traditional features were introduced in contemporary form. In the kitchen, for example, a built-in daybed recalls the krevata, a familiar element in Greek domestic interiors, extending the communal character of the room. Across the project, old and new elements are intertwined, producing a house that feels both rooted and adaptable.

a new wooden stair doubles as a seating tribune with concealed storage | image © Filip Dujardin

original textures and colors are preserved alongside new details | image © Filip Dujardin

Conclusion

The renovation of the Peloponnese House by Point Supreme Architects showcases a thoughtful and innovative approach to reworking a traditional rural dwelling for contemporary family life. By introducing new programming, preserving original materials, and incorporating traditional features in contemporary form, the architects have created a house that is both rooted in its history and adaptable to the needs of its inhabitants. The result is a unique and captivating blend of old and new, demonstrating the potential for thoughtful renovation to breathe new life into existing structures.

Introduction to Casa VIMA

Casa VIMA by Grizzo Studio is located in Bella Vista, Buenos Aires, where its architecture balances enclosure and openness on a corner lot. The residential project is organized in an ‘L’ shape, shielding the interiors from the street while directing the main living spaces toward the garden.

Design and Architecture

The house rests on a plinth that mediates the transition between exterior and interior. A thoughtful variation in ceiling heights creates a sequence of atmospheres, where shifts in volume allow light and shadow to animate the rooms. Dark terracotta tones are chosen for their depth and refinement, emphasizing the qualities of overhead natural light while lending the interiors a timeless character.

images © Grizzo Studio

Grizzo Studio’s Interplay of Levels and Volumes

The architects at Grizzo Studio extend the interiors outward through galleries, terraces, and floating bridges that link Casa VIMA to its garden. The design negotiates carefully with existing trees, carving voids into its form to accommodate their presence. At the entrance, a reflecting pool mirrors the sunshades and frames a single tree. A north-facing terrace holds a vegetable garden connected directly to the kitchen, while on the upper level, a curved bridge leads around a tree toward a panoramic terrace.

Casa VIMA is located in Bella Vista, Buenos Aires

a plinth elevates the residence and frames the transition inside

Grizzo Studio arranges the house in an L shape around a garden

terracotta tones highlight the natural light coming from above

Dialogue Between Built Form and Natural Surroundings

The architecture cultivates a dialogue between built form and natural surroundings. By allowing each terrace and bridge to serve a specific function, the design ensures that daily routines remain tied to the rhythms of sunlight, greenery, and open air. Casa VIMA emerges as a house that is as much a sequence of spatial experiences as it is a residence, encouraging its occupants to move fluidly between shelter and garden.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Casa VIMA is a remarkable residential project that showcases the perfect blend of architecture and nature. The design by Grizzo Studio not only provides a unique and functional living space but also creates a harmonious relationship between the built form and its surroundings. The use of terracotta tones, shifting levels, and carefully designed outdoor spaces all contribute to a truly exceptional living experience. As a result, Casa VIMA stands out as a prime example of innovative and sustainable design, one that prioritizes the well-being of its occupants while also respecting the natural environment.

Introduction to Café Niko

Café Niko, designed by architect Kim Lenschow and design studio NIKO JUNE, is a new café and design shop located on the waterfront in Copenhagen. Conceived as both a serving station and an extension of the workshop, the project invites visitors to experience everyday rituals through design. Everything in use, from the tableware to the seating, is also available for purchase, turning the café into a setting where design is actively lived with.

From the outside, the building is marked by a textured brick facade and large, glazed openings that frame views of the café’s arrangement of metallic stools and tables. Inside, concrete walls, a bar counter clad in swirling veined stone, and open shelving filled with bottles and equipment set a calm, utilitarian tone. The pared-back palette highlights material textures and emphasizes the careful selection of objects in use.

all images by Johanna Hvidtved

A Hybrid Space

The café follows the natural rhythm of the day, where mornings open with coffee, tea, and breakfast, giving the space a steady pace for those passing through early. Evenings take on a different character, as the menu shifts to beer, wine, and drinks accompanied by plates that fall somewhere between snacks and meals.

Café Niko embodies creative workshop NIKO JUNE’s principle of making ‘a few things done well’ and serving them with care. The space, designed by Frederiksberg-based Kim Lenschow, becomes a hybrid environment where visitors are invited to sit inside something made, to pause, and to take part in a way of living with objects designed to be practical and enduring.

Café Niko is designed by architect Kim Lenschow and design studio NIKO JUNE

Design and Interior

concrete walls, a bar counter clad in swirling veined stone, and open shelving filled with bottles and equipment

The interior design of Café Niko is characterized by its simplicity and emphasis on material textures. The concrete walls and stone counter create a sense of rawness, while the metallic stools and tables add a touch of industrial chic.

the pared-back palette highlights material textures

Available Products

everything in use, from the tableware to the seating, is also available for purchase

Everything in use at Café Niko, from the tableware to the seating, is also available for purchase, making it a unique shopping experience for customers.

Conclusion

Café Niko is a unique and innovative space that combines a café and design shop, offering customers a chance to experience everyday rituals through design. With its simple and industrial-chic interior design, careful selection of objects, and available products, Café Niko is a must-visit destination for design enthusiasts and coffee lovers alike.

Introduction to Regma Ice Cream Parlor

Zooco Estudio designs a new Regma ice cream parlor on Calle Burgos in Santander, offering a new spatial expression of the Cantabrian brand’s evolving identity. With this project, the Madrid- and Santander-based design firm presents a composed reinterpretation of the brand’s legacy through geometry, materiality, and color. The brand was founded in 1933 and remains a well-known presence in northern Spain.

Rather than relying on overt iconography, the interior translates Regma’s foundational values — natural ingredients and an approachable color sensibility — into a spatial language that feels embedded in the architecture itself. A single geometric figure, the rotated square, underpins the entire composition, anchoring visual continuity across timber ceilings, floors, and the street-facing facade.

images © David Zarzoso

Continuous Geometric Framework

From the street, the Zooco Estudio-designed Regma storefront presents a modest face. The timber-framed windows are set within two fluted columns to create a symmetrical front that respects its urban context. Just inside, a lattice ceiling structure constructed in oak defines the entire volume, casting soft-edged shadows that move with the light throughout the day.

This gridded ceiling becomes the main organizational tool. It stretches uninterrupted across the parlor, introducing a visual rhythm and providing the structure from which pendant lights and signage are suspended. The geometry mirrors itself at floor level, where travertine slabs are laid in a subtle herringbone pattern, adding texture without visual noise.

the new Regma ice cream parlour is located on Calle Burgos in Santander

Material Translations of Flavor and Craft

Zooco Estudio’s material palette leans heavily on travertine marble, which lines Regma’s counters, lower walls, and floors in creamy, softly veined tones. Oak appears throughout in seating, paneling, and the custom ceiling structure. The atmosphere remains consistently warm but never overstates its presence, each surface contributes to a unified and immersive environment.

Clay-based paint adds a muted finish to the upper walls, absorbing light and grounding the space in a natural tonality. Stainless steel stools and fixtures offer a slight contrast, referencing the tools of ice cream production while reinforcing the project’s connection to material honesty and craftsmanship.

Zooco Estudio unifies the project with a rotated square motif

a gridded oak ceiling creates spatial rhythm and visual continuity

travertine marble defines counters walls and herringbone flooring

Conclusion

In conclusion, the new Regma ice cream parlor designed by Zooco Estudio is a masterful reinterpretation of the brand’s legacy, blending geometry, materiality, and color to create a unique spatial language. The rotated square motif, continuous geometric framework, and material translations of flavor and craft all contribute to a unified and immersive environment that embodies the brand’s values and heritage. The result is a beautiful and inviting space that showcases the brand’s commitment to natural ingredients, craftsmanship, and exceptional customer experience.

Introduction to Casa Oruç

Casa Oruç by Saavedra Arquitectos is located in Mineral del Monte, Mexico, a mountainous region defined by steep slopes, dense pine forest, and shifting mist. The site’s pronounced incline, along with access points at both its highest eastern edge and lowest southern boundary, set the stage for a design that responds directly to the terrain and its natural surroundings.

Site Context and Design Response

The architects position the house in an eroded clearing on the north side, where a stream’s long course down the slope had shaped a natural platform. Here, sunlight is filtered through the forest canopy, and seasonal rain is as present as the sun. This context informed the building’s relationship to light, views, and water management from the earliest stages of design.

images © Onnis Luque

Processional Entry Through the Landscape

Visitors approach from the upper level of the site, where the team at Saavedra Arquitectos completely conceals its Casa Oruç by trees. A bridge leads to a tower containing the living room, though its interior remains hidden from view. Stairs coil around the tower, bringing a sequence of changing textures underfoot and to the touch—black exposed concrete alternating with fluted concrete block.

the house is located in Mineral del Monte Hidalgo among steep slopes and dense pine forest

Interior Flow and Gathering Spaces

Inside, the central volume adapts to multiple uses over the course of a day — living room, dining space, and kitchen — while opening to a south-facing terrace that extends the social areas outdoors. The inverted roofline draws the eye toward the bedroom wing, which projects twenty-five feet into the forest canopy. Here, the structure’s height seeks the best light, positioning the private rooms among the treetops.

Saavedra Arquitectos places Casa Oruç in a natural clearing shaped by erosion

the design uses access points at the highest and lowest parts of the site

a bridge and tower create a concealed approach through the trees

Conclusion

The plan reflects the clients’ desire to host gatherings, allowing spaces to merge for large groups or shift to smaller, more intimate settings. These transitions are supported by the home’s continuous visual and physical connection to the surrounding forest. Casa Oruç by Saavedra Arquitectos stands as a testament to the potential of architecture to not only coexist with nature but to enhance and celebrate it, creating a harmonious balance between the built environment and the natural world.

An Historic Wine Landscape in Hungary

Located within the UNESCO-protected Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region of Hungary, the Sauska Tokaj Winery by BORD Architectural Studio integrates contemporary design with a storied winemaking landscape. Its elevated, lens-like forms appear to float above the vineyards, establishing a strong visual presence while preserving a connection to the surrounding terrain. Beyond its sculptural presence, the winery reinforces Tokaj’s reputation as both a cultural and viticultural destination.

The region’s volcanic soils have supported viticulture for centuries. Villages developed along the valleys, and winemaking took place in cellars cut deep into rhyolite tuff. Since the early 2000s, renewed investment and tourism have brought a fresh wave of innovation. Today, architecture plays a role in this revival, with new facilities enhancing the visitor experience alongside wine production.

images © Hufton + Crow

Introduction to BORD’s Concept

The commission for the Sauska Tokaj Winery called for a modern facility centered on the production of dry white and sparkling wines, while also serving as a destination for hospitality and gastronomy. Positioned on the southern slopes of Padi Hill, the site offers sweeping views of significant settlements in the region, requiring a design that would engage with the landscape without overwhelming it.

BORD’s design reflects founding architect Péter Bordás’s philosophy of creating structures that feel both present and physically detached from their surroundings. His concept of the ‘untouched-untouchable’ informed the architectural massing — a floating form that engages the eye without disturbing the terrain.

Sauska Tokaj Winery rises above the vineyards in Hungary’s UNESCO-listed Tokaj region

The Compositional Form of Sauska Tokaj

The visible portion of the winery consists of two intersecting, lens-shaped volumes, each 36 meters wide. Elevated above the ground and supported by slender steel columns, these house the visitor-facing functions: a restaurant, bar, and panoramic terrace. The functional spaces for fermentation and storage are located underground, where stable conditions are naturally maintained. The circular fermentation halls position stainless steel tanks concentrically around a central wooden barrel area, creating a clear spatial order.

The illusion of levitation is accentuated by the building’s overhangs and the way sunlight shifts across its underside. This floating character turns the structure into a landmark while allowing the surrounding vineyards to remain the primary visual focus.

the winery’s lens-shaped forms appear to float over the slopes of Padi Hill

Visitor Experience and Interior Design

Visitors arrive via a path integrated into the slope, ensuring the architectural form is encountered in full view upon approach. The entrance is understated, leading into a compact lobby that opens to a skylit corridor and the main visitor spaces. Inside, curved ceilings frame the landscape beyond, narrowing toward the view and guiding attention outward. Stepping onto the terrace, guests are met with expansive views of Tokaj’s vineyards and hills.

Interiors, designed by Tihany Design, draw directly from the textures and tones of the wine region. Natural wood, local limestone, and steel details create a warm, tactile palette. This material approach anchors the contemporary architecture in the agricultural and geological context of Tokaj, while offering a refined backdrop for dining and tasting experiences.

BORD Architectural Studio designs the building to integrate with the volcanic landscape

Operational Areas and Service Tunnels

Operational areas, including pressing, bottling, and labeling, are arranged in a linear sequence connected to the fermentation spaces. A service tunnel along the building’s axis facilitates movement of grapes and finished wine, while housing the necessary mechanical systems. The cellar’s cool, metallic surfaces contrast with the hospitality areas above, underscoring the dual identity of the building as both an industrial and cultural facility.

visitor spaces are elevated while wine production takes place underground

Conclusion

The Sauska Tokaj Winery is a testament to the successful integration of contemporary architecture into a historic wine landscape. By embracing the concept of the ‘untouched-untouchable’, BORD Architectural Studio has created a building that not only respects its surroundings but also enhances the visitor experience. The winery’s unique design, combined with its stunning location, solidifies Tokaj’s position as a premier cultural and viticultural destination

Introduction to Huit Sushi Restaurant

Swiss studio Craft & Concept completes Huit Sushi, a contemporary Japanese restaurant in Montreux, Switzerland, where spatial clarity and material restraint subtly redefine the dining experience. The project reflects a nuanced interpretation of Japanese design, placing focus on proportion, rhythm, and atmosphere instead of ornament. The interior is organized around a cross-shaped plan, with a unique lighting design at its core. Two intersecting walls — one in polished metal, the other a softly glowing acrylic with integrated LEDs — segment the space into four distinct yet fluid zones: an open kitchen, cocktail bar, dining area, and a waiting lounge.

Swiss studio Craft & Concept completes Huit Sushi | all images courtesy of Craft & Concept

Precise Spatial Logic Inspired by Japanese Design

For Craft & Concept, the task was to create a flexible, anonymous space that doesn’t overemphasize the operational processes. With Huit Sushi, the Swiss studio applies a restrained yet precise interpretation of Japanese spatial logic, where atmosphere comes from rhythm and material presence rather than bold decoration. Their approach prioritizes a simple organizational composition and a precise combination of textures and materials.

the project reflects a nuanced interpretation of Japanese design

Custom-Made LED Wall Becomes Ambient Centerpiece

At the very center of Huit Sushi’s design is a custom-developed LED wall, which was fabricated entirely in-house by Craft & Concept. This glowing partition acts as both a luminous backdrop and the primary atmospheric feature. The lighting system provides a consistent, even glow, avoiding common issues like visible LED strips or uneven diffusion. With its fully adjustable RGB spectrum, the color can shift seamlessly, allowing the ambiance to change from one mood to another without drifting into unwanted hues. This central partition also integrates a flush, illuminated restroom door, designed to either blend into the wall or stand out through its tone and brightness.

the unique LED lighting wall delivers a consistent, ambient glow

Attention to Detail and Custom Fabrication

The studio’s precise approach extends to every detail, from the acoustic ceiling panels that ensure auditory comfort to the bespoke furniture. The bar counters, tables, and seating are all custom-designed and crafted from a unique, inhomogeneous acrylic blend. This introduces subtle variations in appearance and touch, creating a loose surface effect that adds depth to the minimalist aesthetic. The material palette is intentionally restrained, centered on light, monochrome, earthy textures with black accents from the furniture. In contrast, a matte black monolithic restroom reinforces the project’s emphasis on clarity and controlled emotion. Through this synthesis of design and custom fabrication, Huit Sushi becomes an immersive environment shaped by light, material, and spatial rhythm.

with a fully adjustable RGB spectrum, the color can shift seamlessly

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Huit Sushi restaurant in Montreux, Switzerland, designed by Craft & Concept, is a masterful example of contemporary Japanese design. The studio’s attention to detail, custom fabrication, and precise approach to spatial logic have resulted in an immersive environment that redefines the dining experience. The custom-made LED wall, bespoke furniture, and restrained material palette all contribute to a unique and captivating atmosphere, making Huit Sushi a standout example of modern restaurant design.

Introduction to The Rambler

The Rambler, hidden within a heavily wooded site northwest of Seattle, is a luminous brick home by architecture firm GO’C. The residence occupies a cherished piece of family property on the Kitsap Peninsula just a few blocks from a small beach town. The design grounds itself in its natural surroundings, with a strong emphasis on materiality and form, ensuring the structure connects harmoniously with the landscape. The project is constructed through a close collaboration with local craftsmen, whose years of shared experiences in making have shaped the home’s character.

images © Kevin Scott

Design and Layout

The architects at GO’C organize The Rambler with a straightforward program, as the three-bedroom, two-bath home caters to the needs of a musician and an architect. At 1,700 square feet, the house maintains a modest scale but extends its reach into the environment. The roof and screen walls create functional outdoor spaces on all sides, framing opportunities for a garden, a guest house, and gatherings around a firepit.

Designed with an eye toward future growth, the structure allows for potential expansion and adapts to the needs of the inhabitants as their lifestyle evolves. The relationship between the home and its surroundings is further amplified by the elevated roof terrace, which offers views of the sky and the trees, making it a space for both relaxation and contemplation.

the Rambler is located on the Kitsap Peninsula northwest of Seattle

Materiality and Structure

The design of The Rambler by GO’C is based on a solid rectangular volume that stretches horizontally across the site. This form is punctured and carved to create a balance between privacy and openness, allowing natural light and ventilation to enter. The relationship between the ground and the roof plane is central to the design, with the house’s horizontal stretch emphasizing a connection to the earth.

A raised concrete base serves as both structure and heating source, integrating radiant hydronic piping into the floor slab. This concrete base not only provides stability but also establishes a solid visual presence, contrasting with the lighter and more porous elements above.

The roof plane is a defining feature of The Rambler, sheltering the home while providing ample outdoor space. Carved in select areas to allow light and fresh air to enter, it creates voids that open up to the sky and surrounding trees. These apertures provide slices of light that wash over the walls and fill the interior spaces with a soft, natural glow. The single vertical element in the design, a site-cast fireplace and chimney, stands as a totem marking the heart of the living space. It is in this space that the home’s soul is most evident.

the residence sits on a secluded wooded site on family-owned property

Material Palette

The material palette of The Rambler reflects a commitment to durability and timelessness. The concrete base and full-height masonry walls create a sense of permanence, while the deeply raked mortar joints offer texture and contrast to the smooth concrete surfaces.

The materials selected for the project were chosen for their low-maintenance qualities and their ability to improve with age. Local Douglas fir, harvested from the site, was milled and used for the roof’s finish lid, kitchen shelves, and a coffee table. Cedar, also milled on-site, was employed for the entry door, benches, and privacy fences, further integrating the house with its natural environment.

the home is designed as a three-bedroom, two-bath dwelling with spaces for creative activities

Integration with Nature

A key element in the design of The Rambler is the seamless connection between interior and exterior spaces. Brick screen walls extend into the landscape, creating semi-enclosed exterior rooms that filter light and provide privacy. These walls dissolve the boundaries between the structure and its surroundings, allowing the green of the landscape to flow right up to the perimeter walls and, in some cases, into the home itself.

The entry garden, for example, is a space that invites the landscape directly into the heart of the residence. This bucolic integration of nature and architecture ensures that The Rambler remains a part of the land it occupies.

a raised concrete base serves as structure and heating while providing a visual weight

Conclusion

The Rambler, designed by GO’C, is a testament to the power of thoughtful design and collaboration. By emphasizing materiality, form, and a connection to the natural environment, the architects