February 12, 2016

mwworks cabin wins AIA award

Photos by Jeremy Bittermann [enlarge]

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A cabin in Lakebay designed by Seattle-based mw|works won a 2016 Institute Honor Award for Architecture.

The Case Inlet Retreat was one of 11 projects recognized by the American Institute of Architects for excellence in architecture.

All the winners are at http://tiny.cc/082t8x/. They will be honored at the AIA 2016 National Convention in Philadelphia on May 19-21.

Mw|works was the architect and interior designer for Case Inlet Retreat. Alford Homes was the builder and PCS Structural Solutions was the structural engineer.

The two-story, 2,800-square-foot cabin is on a 20-acre site on the Key Peninsula overlooking the Case Inlet on southern Puget Sound, where the owners had been hiking, camping and paddling for years.

The master bedroom and bathroom and living space are on the upper floor. Two bunkhouses and a bathroom are on the lower level.

Mw|works said the cabin is modern and low maintenance, and has a strong relationship with the land. The firm said the design gives the impression that the cabin is smaller than it is — that it is “deferential to the land” — by working with the existing grade.

The living space projects west into the tree canopy on a cantilevered platform, capturing views of the water and sunset. The kitchen reaches out through a sliding glass door to engage the meadow. And a wall in the master bathroom rolls away to give the feeling of bathing in the forest.

The project used rugged, natural materials. Ample windows and doors bring in daylight, views of the Olympic Mountains and natural ventilation.