Heliotrope Architects’ Retreat Home Located In The Rocky

Located on the rocky and windswept south facing shoreline of Orcas Island, Washington. Lone Madrone is a 1,600 square foot vacation home completed by Heliotrope Architects. The location is strategic, standing in the landscape to harmonize with the surrounding environment and minimize exposure to constantly changing weather.

The design itself uses retractable wall panels to protect against winter storms, but even in sunny weather the house remains completely open to the outdoors. This allows residents to fully interact with the landscape and views.

Its location in the San Juan National Monument is a special attraction. Its highly sensitive coastline and marine environment make it the perfect secluded retreat. To minimize impacts on natural systems, garden roofs were used to replace landscaping lost due to construction, and stormwater runoff was designed to mimic pre-construction conditions. To respect the surrounding culture, local materials were used such as douglas fir and western red cedar, and the project also involved local craftsmen in all aspects of the construction.

Here’s a tour of the perfect vacation home for the holidays!