DeForest Architects: John DeForest, Rosie Donovan, Brett Smith

Interior Design: Theresa Benny Interior Design

Structural: Evergreen Design Company

Landscape: Richard Pulkrabek Landscape Architect

Contractor: M&M Quality Construction

Location: Lake Wenatchee, Washington

Approx. 3,100 square feet (not including garage)

2BR, 3BA

Photography: Ben Benschneider

Rustic. Modern. Cozy. Sophisticated. This mountain retreat was designed to bridge two worlds with natural ease.

The owners, an active family of five, had been coming to a rental cabin on this lake for years and were ready to build one of their own. Homework assignments helped define core values for the project – a house that unfolded in time and space rather than giving away its secrets all at once; a modern design at home in its surroundings; and ’natural ease’, a comfortable, low-maintenance getaway to help focus on enjoying family and the surrounding environment.

The beautiful, wooded site drops in elevation between the road and the lake. The house serves as a path through the woods, creating small clearings and indoor and outdoor rooms where movement and exploration are encouraged. The alternating roof forms create a variety of scales of space.

The owners were looking for flexible space that accommodated their kids and guests, but also didn’t feel too large when it was just the two of them. A media room hides behind a secret bookcase, providing overflow space. Reading nooks convert into spare sleeping space. A sleeping loft makes a bedroom larger when it needs to be.