goes eighty steps up to the entrance. This approach is orchestrated with landings and turns to offer varied views to the visitor while providing the occupants with the advantage to look out over wildlife and strangers. The main structure of the house is an exposed paralam post and beam system. The wall en- closure is made of 2 x 8 timberstrand balloon framing that is not load bearing. This allows the wall openings to be chosen freely, evident in the sixteen south facing windows, includ- ing a 24’ by 10’ expanse across one room, and three tiny north facing windows. This framing system also allows the full use of cavities for insulation properties, especially in corner situations. All electrical installations are within interior walls in order to preserve the envelope. The wet areas of the house are concentrated in one bay, stacked above each other to minimize plumbing runs.
The floor plans are organized in a four bay grid of 12’ wide by 16’ deep, stretching the house east to west for a long true south exposure. The house is two stories tall, mini- mizing the footprint on the steep slope. All circulation within the house is aligned with the contours of the land, creating a 20-degree shift that extends beyond the exterior walls. The house rests on a poured concrete foun- dation with exposed retaining walls on the north of the first floor. When complemented by concrete floors on both levels, this gives the house plenty of mass to store short-term gains from solar exposure. The lower level is an open plan with the entry at the east down four steps, offering an area for the cold air to settle. The arrangement for kitchen, dining and living areas reflects the informal character of the house. From here can be seen the views to the south and
south-west, while the floor-to-ceiling glass blurs the transition between the inside and out. A six-foot square wooden cube inter- sects the west wall and is focussed on Mount Redoubt, an active volcano about 100 miles across Cook Inlet. This space offers intimate qualities contrasting with the adjacent ope- ness. In this favored place one can take in distant winter sunsets or close foliage. The open stairs to the upper level lead to a suspended bridge with light pouring in from above the main roof level. This monitor light heightens the changing sun angle and inten- sity across the back wall, which is painted white like a canvas. At the highest point is a mechanical, operable window that facili- tates natural ventilation through an attached thermostat. The upper level has an office, two bedrooms and bathing areas. A window ribbon at the top of the south wall draws light
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