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Project Description: The Grand Pavilion
The Grand Pavilion is a visionary architectural masterpiece perched dramatically on the Pacific Northwest waterfront, where rugged cliffs meet the vast expanse of the ocean. This exceptional residence is a testament to the harmonious fusion of modern design and the raw beauty of nature, elevating the concept of architectural integration to new heights. Initially considered an unbuildable site due to the steep topography and difficult access, the Grand Pavilion is a striking example of how challenges can be transformed into creative opportunities. The design not only embraces the rugged terrain but also seeks to amplify the profound connection between the home and its breathtaking surroundings.
The journey began with an understanding of the land’s unique features—steep cliffs, rocky outcroppings, and the dense forest that defined the site. The Grand Pavilion was carved into the landscape itself, with part of the stone peninsula being carefully removed through controlled blasting to create a stable foundation. The result is a home that feels intrinsically linked to the land, as though it has always been part of the natural environment. This process of sculpting the site allowed the home to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, nestling into the rockscape while respecting the untouched beauty of the landscape.
One of the most striking elements of the Grand Pavilion is the exposure of bedrock within the interior spaces, a powerful architectural choice that reinforces the home’s inside-out approach. This deliberate incorporation of the land’s raw materials brings nature directly into the living areas, blurring the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors. The dramatic presence of the exposed bedrock creates a striking visual element, transforming the interior into an extension of the landscape itself. The stone walls evoke a sense of permanence, grounding the space in its natural environment, while the interior’s minimalistic design highlights the unrefined beauty of the materials.
The architecture is inspired by a blend of natural forms and clean lines, with a focus on organic materials like steel, concrete, and stone. This minimalist yet bold aesthetic enhances the home’s connection to the surrounding environment, allowing the landscape to take center stage. The open-plan main floor, designed as a pavilion, is an expansive great room that invites both the light and the views of the ocean into the heart of the home. This central gathering space flows effortlessly into the landscape, with vast glass walls and sliding doors that dissolve the boundaries between the interior and the exterior. The great room creates an unparalleled sense of openness, while the use of steel beams in the structure provides both strength and a modern, industrial aesthetic that complements the surrounding natural elements.
Bedrooms and private spaces are located below the main level, making use of a reverse floor plan that takes full advantage of the steep topography. The strategic placement of windows throughout the home ensures that every space enjoys expansive views and intimate details of the landscape. Whether it is the towering cedars visible from the bathroom or the view of a jagged rock outcropping framed through the front door, every room feels deeply connected to its surroundings. The layout creates a peaceful, retreat-like atmosphere, allowing residents to immerse themselves fully in the beauty and tranquility of the environment.
A standout feature of the Grand Pavilion is the infinity reflection pool, which overlooks stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. This pool was an engineering feat, positioned directly above the primary suite to create the illusion of water flowing seamlessly into the horizon. The infinity edge reflects both the ocean and sky, creating a mesmerizing effect as the water’s surface mirrors the vast natural landscape beyond. The pool’s location required careful structural planning to ensure its stability and safety, but the result is an awe-inspiring design element that extends the home’s dramatic vistas and enhances its relationship with nature. The infinity pool becomes more than just an aesthetic addition; it serves as a focal point that draws the viewer’s gaze outward, reinforcing the feeling of immersion in the environment.
The connection to nature is further emphasized by the innovative use of a green roof, which helps the structure disappear into the forest when viewed from above. The green roof, planted with native vegetation, blends seamlessly with the surrounding trees and plants, creating a natural camouflage for the building. From the exterior, the home feels as though it is part of the landscape, with the roof’s greenery softening its lines and allowing it to blend into the topography. This thoughtful integration of nature into the design further enhances the home’s seamless relationship with its surroundings.
The Grand Pavilion is situated on a stunning waterfront site, offering sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and dense forests. The landscape serves as both a backdrop and a central element of the design, with every window and view carefully curated to take full advantage of the breathtaking scenery. The home’s expansive glass walls, carefully positioned terraces, and natural stone features ensure that the dramatic landscape is never out of sight, creating a living experience that is fully immersed in the elements.
In essence, the Grand Pavilion is a bold example of how architecture can elevate the natural environment, blurring the boundaries between the built and natural worlds. Every detail of the home, from the exposed bedrock in the interior to the infinity reflection pool above the primary suite, is a reflection of the home’s deep connection to its environment. This residence is not merely a place to live; it is a sanctuary where architecture and nature exist in perfect harmony, creating an experience that is as awe-inspiring as the land on which it stands.
