Imagine a home that doesn't just withstand the rain, but celebrates it. That's exactly what Seattle-based studio Wittman Estes has achieved with the French Creek Workshops House in Snohomish, Washington. But here's where it gets controversial: instead of battling the region's notoriously wet climate, they've designed a residence that embraces it, turning rainfall into a captivating feature. And this is the part most people miss: it's not just a house; it's a sanctuary where art, nature, and everyday living intertwine seamlessly.
This 2,471-square-foot (230-square-metre) home, accompanied by a 1,471-square-foot (137-square-metre) workshop, sits on a sprawling 4.5-acre site that once served as an animal sanctuary. Designed for a newly retired couple, the property is a masterclass in blending functionality with artistry. The workshop, equipped for weaving, glassblowing, furniture making, and more, is a testament to the residents' creative passions. But what truly sets this project apart is its thoughtful integration with the environment.
Here’s the bold part: the design isn’t just about shelter; it’s about experiencing the climate. A corrugated metal roof with deep overhangs channels rainwater into reflecting pools, inspired by ancient Roman impluviums. As Matt Wittman, founding principal, explains, 'When it rains, water cascades over the roof edges, sheeting gently into the garden. Instead of working against the climate, we expressed it – so the owners can engage with it.' This approach transforms a typically mundane aspect of the Pacific Northwest into a dynamic, sensory experience.
The single-level home is also a model for aging-in-place and multigenerational living, featuring wide doorways, flush thresholds, and sandblasted concrete floors with hydronic radiant heating. Slatted wood screens, crafted by the residents themselves, enclose the exterior loading dock and filter light into the living spaces, adding both privacy and warmth. The interior materials—locally sourced fir, cedar, terrazzo, and concrete—strike a balance between artistry and practicality, while playful accents like reddish-brown soffits and a vivid blue kitchen wall inject personality.
The workshop, strategically positioned to minimize noise from both its activities and the adjacent highway, ensures a serene living environment. Clerestory windows on the north side flood the studios with even, diffused light, creating an ideal space for creativity. As Wittman notes, 'They wanted the home to be an expression of who they are. Now, they can live and create side by side – gracefully and seamlessly.'
But here’s the question that might spark debate: Is this approach to architecture—prioritizing climate engagement over traditional shelter—the future of sustainable design, or is it a niche luxury? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Founded in 2012 by Matt Wittman and Jodi Estes, the studio is known for its nature-connected projects. Recent works include a rapid-assembly fire station in Rancho Mission Viejo, California, a courtyard house in Seattle inspired by Chinese garden principles, and an elevated extension to a 1940s beach house in Hood Canal, Washington. Photography by Andrew Pogue captures the essence of this harmonious blend of architecture and environment.
Project Credits:
- Architecture and Interiors: Wittman Estes
- Design Team: Matt Wittman, Jodi Estes, Ashton Wesely
- Landscape: Wittman Estes
- Structural Engineer: Josh Welch Engineering
- Builder: MRA Builders
- Civil Engineer: Jennifer Argraves, LPD Engineering
- Geotechnical Engineer: Adam Gaston, Geo Group Northwest
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