Completed in 2018 by Heliotrope Architects, Suncrest is a residence on Orcas Island, Washington, shaped by the distinctive natural landscape of the San Juan Islands. The project sits among douglas fir and madrone trees, wrapping around a prominent rock outcropping and establishing a direct connection to its forested surroundings. The brief centered on integrating the home with the land and framing expansive western views across the archipelago.
A long concrete site wall defines the approach to the house, punctuated by vertical openings that offer partial glimpses of views beyond, setting a restrained tone at the entry. The structure is built of cedar, fir, concrete, and steel—materials specifically selected for their resonance with the owner’s interests and the site. The house is organized to engage particular features of the land, with certain segments pulling away or dissolving to allow existing trees and rocks to remain in place. At the north end, a window frames a group of endemic trees and rock, reinforcing the design's ongoing dialogue with its immediate environment.
