Eagles Nest

Project completed during tenure at Johnston Architects.  Images copyright of Harmony Cooper.

Overview
Eagles Nest is a 1,500-square-foot residence with an added 1,000-square-foot covered outdoor area. Completed in 2019 in Mazama, Washington, the home serves as a retreat for an active family seeking a close connection with the outdoors. The design was carried out under Johnston Architects, with about two years from initial planning to project completion.
Project Goals
  • Embrace the Methow Valley setting with wide views and a focus on indoor-outdoor continuity
  • Achieve a high-performance thermal envelope through eco-friendly insulation
  • Provide a clear division between active gathering areas and private living spaces
  • Incorporate firewise measures, including corrugated metal siding and gravel buffers
  • Showcase the structure in an authentic way, allowing beams and trusses to remain visible
Design and Implementation
  • Layout/Structural Changes

Two wings are arranged around a central entry and service core. The first wing hosts a great room that merges living, dining, and kitchen, framed by floor-to-ceiling windows. The second wing contains three bedrooms, an office, and bathrooms. A structural approach with steel I-joists and open web wood trusses remains visible, adding a sense of honesty to the interior.

  • Materials and Finishes

A blend of cedar, local larch, and corrugated steel underscores a warm yet durable feel. Sheep’s wool and paperboard insulation create a robust thermal envelope that lowers heating expenses in the cold season. Stained concrete floors with radiant heating supply a pleasant surface underfoot, and large overhangs are sized to allow winter sunlight while limiting summer heat gain.

  • Key Elements
    • Indoor-outdoor living: 1,000-square-foot covered exterior area with striking views
    • Firewise design principles: metal siding and a gravel perimeter to reduce fire hazards
    • High R-value roof and advanced insulation to support energy performance
    • Visible structure: expressing wood and steel elements for a genuine architectural identity
Challenges
Balancing aesthetic wishes, fire safety, and sloped site conditions required careful planning. The sauna was shifted to a separate phase to help the family remain within their target budget, and decisions on material selection were made with both performance and local availability in mind.
Outcome
Eagles Nest demonstrates a unified approach that merges thoughtful design, eco-friendly methods, and a welcoming ambiance. The home achieves both efficiency and visual appeal, reflecting the idea that well-insulated buildings can still feel bright and comfortable. By integrating local materials and featuring open views, it stands as an illustration of a flexible second home that celebrates its surroundings.
Location
  • Mazama, WA
SIZE
  • 2,000 SF
COMPLETED
  • 2019
ROLE
  • Project Architect & Designer
photographer
  • Harmony cooper
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