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BELVEDERE POINT

Design Brief: Modern Coastal Residence in the Pacific Northwest

Project Overview

This 12,000-square-foot modern coastal residence is a testament to Pacific Northwest architecture. It seamlessly integrates with its rugged surroundings while prioritizing sustainability, minimalist aesthetics, and indoor-outdoor living. Perched along the coastline, the home captures expansive ocean views and embraces the natural elements with a refined yet organic design.

Architectural Vision & Style

Inspired by Northwest contemporary architecture, this residence is thoughtfully designed to blend clean lines, expansive glass walls, and architectural materials such as board-formed concrete, wood-clad aluminum, stone, and steel. The home is structured into multiple zones, connected by glass bridges and hallways, allowing for an immersive experience that enhances privacy while maintaining a strong connection to the landscape. The interplay of cantilevered structures, floating decks, and large overhangs gives the residence a sense of lightness while maximizing panoramic views of the Puget Sound, Pacific Ocean, and surrounding forests.

Key Design Elements

The home’s 12,000-square-foot layout is divided into distinct zones, each serving a specific function while remaining visually and physically connected through glass-enclosed corridors. These bridges enhance transparency, creating a floating effect that allows natural light to penetrate deeper into the home. Expansive glass facades dissolve the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, offering uninterrupted ocean, sky, and surrounding landscape views. Floating decks and terraces extend the living spaces outward, maximizing exposure to the breathtaking coastal terrain and lush forests. Thoughtfully placed vertical aluminum or composite wood slats provide privacy while filtering light, adding texture and warmth to the exterior.

A material palette of board-formed concrete and wood-clad aluminum is used to withstand the harsh saltwater mist and coastal weather conditions, ensuring long-term durability with minimal maintenance. Combined with natural stone and porcelain, these materials create a striking contrast between organic and industrial elements. Porcelain flooring, chosen for its extreme durability and refined appearance, mimics the look of natural stone without requiring ongoing maintenance. This high-performance material provides a seamless, elegant finish throughout the home while standing up to the demands of a coastal environment. Green roofs and native landscaping further integrate the home into its natural setting, reducing environmental impact while enhancing the surrounding ecology.

Designed to embrace indoor-outdoor living, the home features glass bridges and hallways that offer uninterrupted sightlines to the surrounding landscape. Sliding glass walls and retractable panels seamlessly blend the interior with the outdoors, reinforcing a connection to nature. A cliffside infinity pool mirrors the ocean’s horizon, creating a stunning visual effect. Covered outdoor lounges with fire features provide warmth and comfort throughout the seasons, allowing the home to be enjoyed year-round, regardless of the weather.

Strategically positioned, the home optimizes natural light, passive solar heating, and cross-ventilation, ensuring comfort and energy efficiency. West-facing terraces and floor-to-ceiling glass walls capture breathtaking sunsets over the Puget Sound and Pacific Ocean, immersing the home in its spectacular setting. Native plant gardens and rainwater collection systems support ecological preservation while reducing water consumption, aligning with the home’s commitment to sustainable design.

Built with passive house principles, the residence incorporates energy-efficient materials, thermal insulation, and high-performance glazing to minimize energy consumption. Solar panel integration and geothermal heating enhance the home’s environmental sustainability. Rainwater harvesting and drought-resistant landscaping further contribute to conservation efforts, ensuring the home operates with minimal environmental impact. Cross-laminated timber (CLT) and recycled building materials are utilized to lower the carbon footprint while paying homage to the region’s rich tradition of architectural craftsmanship.

Experience & Ambiance

This luxury waterfront residence is designed as a sanctuary and an architectural statement, showcasing the best modern home design in the Pacific Northwest. The thoughtful layout—featuring glass-bridge connections between living spaces, expansive glass walls reflecting the sky and ocean, and handcrafted details in resilient materials—creates an unparalleled sense of openness and tranquility. This sustainably built modern retreat harmonizes with the surrounding landscape while offering a sophisticated and inviting living experience, perfectly suited for its coastal setting.