Discovery Bay House, an oceanview timber residence in the Pacific Northwest forest, exemplifies the integration of structure, materials, and nature. The client desired a serene yet dynamic retreat for hosting friends and family, favoring order and equilibrium through orthogonal shapes. This preference shaped the design philosophy of modular orthogonality, creating a spatial rhythm that enhances intimacy openness.

The topographically intriguing site overlooking the Olympic Mountains features a gentle decline toward the bay, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity to design a structure that preserves the landscape while maximizing expansive views. 

The house emerges from An elevated concrete base, subtly adapting to the site's natural topography while ensuring a seamless relationship with the landscape. A striking Douglas fir post-and-beam structural grid is rising from this foundation, defining the home’s spatial composition. The entirety of the building—cladding, screens, and detailing—is executed in wood, achieving a carbon-negative footprint through material choice and sustainable construction techniques.

A key architectural move divides the experience into two distinct journeys: a horizontal living space for the owner and a vertical sequence for guests, fostering both connection and privacy. The interplay of birch plywood-clad surfaces in varying tones creates depth and contrast, guiding movement through the home with an intuitive visual hierarchy.

Cross-ventilation, natural lighting, and precisely placed openings enhance environmental performance, ensuring a fresh and breathable atmosphere. The cedar-clad façade, finished with a dark stain, mirrors the surrounding forest, allowing the house to dissolve into its environment. Vertical wooden planks evoke the rhythm of tree trunks, reinforcing a dialogue between built and natural forms.

Discovery Bay House is more than a structure—it’s a tactile, sensory experience where light, material, and spatial precision converge. It is a testament to context-driven, sustainable design, offering an immersive architectural journey that balances intellectual rigor with organic warmth.