Cape San Juan, designed by Prentiss Balance Wickline and completed in 2026, is situated on a rare undeveloped waterfront parcel with direct access to the Salish Sea. The gently sloping site offered open views north over the water but required strategies for privacy from adjacent residences. The brief called for a design that would maximize views, respond to solar orientation, and ensure privacy, shaping a house that is both protected and open to its environment.
The house is organized as a U-shaped plan that frames a sheltered courtyard, with solid east and west walls providing privacy from neighbors. North and south elevations are more open, capturing expansive sea views and connecting to the forested inland landscape. Alaskan yellow cedar is used to clad the courtyard walls, providing warmth where glazing is unnecessary. Raised three feet above the site’s adjacent wings, the main living and dining area incorporates continuous clerestory windows and a roof that lifts to the south for increased natural light. The house sits above the flood zone and projects outward on a steel-framed, cantilevered deck, extending living spaces toward the shoreline and offering close views of an established madrona tree.
Architect Prentiss Balance Wickline Year 2026 Images 40 Style Contemporary , Modern , Mountain Modern Materials Blackened Steel , Concrete , Glass , Standing-Seam Metal , Steel Features Balcony , Black Window Frames , Cantilever , Courtyard , Covered Patio Cape San Juan project by Prentiss Balance Wickline features modern flat and shed metal roofs with wood siding and large glass walls overlooking the water. Cape San Juan residence by Prentiss Balance Wickline features wood siding and metal roofing within a wooded landscape. The Cape San Juan project features large windows and a wooden pergola surrounded by trees and outdoor lounge chairs. Entryway with wood siding and black window frames opens to views of the forest and water. Dining and kitchen space with pendant lighting overlooking a forested water view through floor-to-ceiling windows. Kitchen featuring warm wood cabinets and a gray countertop island with pendant lighting and upholstered stools. Modern living and dining room featuring floor-to-ceiling glazing and three large white pendant lights. The living area features a cylindrical wood stove with visible flames, a gray sofa, and a pet bed adjacent to floor-to-ceiling windows. Wood-paneled cabinet adjacent to a firewood storage compartment, topped with a green glass vase. Modern kitchen featuring wood cabinetry, a gray countertop island, and pendant lighting over a breakfast bar. Living room with floor-to-ceiling glazing and a wood stove overlooking a forested waterfront view. The deck features wood paneling and a glass railing that frames views of trees and water. Black metal railing post with cable wire infill and water droplets on top surfaces. Bedroom with large black-framed windows overlooks natural waterfront landscape. A bathroom with a freestanding tub positioned to face large windows with views of a waterfront and surrounding trees. An outdoor shower and freestanding tub with wooden wall cladding and a glass railing overlooking trees. Outdoor shower installed on wood siding wall with metal railing on adjacent balcony, surrounded by natural trees. Outdoor living space featuring a fire pit with Adirondack chairs and wood storage sheds on a wooded site. Firewood stacked neatly next to a wood-clad exterior wall with greenery in the foreground. The Cape San Juan project features a modern glass exterior surrounded by mature trees and nature views. The Cape San Juan house features expansive glass walls and a minimalist railing, blending indoor and outdoor spaces. House in dense forest setting with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking waterfront. Cape San Juan residence nestled in dense forest by rocky shoreline water, showing house roof and natural surroundings from above. Modern residential exterior featuring floor-to-ceiling glazing, wood siding, and a covered patio area with outdoor seating. Exterior rear view of a modern house with metal roofing and wood siding in a forested setting by water. Exterior view of a modern forest house with wood cladding and metal roofing. View of a modern single-story house with wood siding and extensive glass walls set in a wooded landscape. View of the entry area featuring wood cladding and floor-to-ceiling glazing overlooking trees and water. Interior view of dining room and kitchen featuring wood finishes, large glass walls, and pendant lighting. Kitchen featuring wood cabinets, concrete countertop island, and a black stone backsplash beneath a narrow horizontal window. Interior view of a modern living and dining space featuring floor-to-ceiling glazing, a wood stove with visible chimney, and wood ceiling. A modern wood-burning fireplace with metal chimney pipe is installed near a glass wall and wood storage inside a living area. Detail of wood storage with firewood and a green glass vase on surface above. Modern kitchen features wood cabinets, black countertop island with integrated sink, and fabric bar stools under pendant lights. Interior view of a living room showing a wood-burning stove, concrete floor, wooden ceiling, and large glass walls opening to an outdoor deck with seating and a natural landscape beyond. View from a wooden deck with cable railing overlooking water and trees, with a person and dog in the foreground. Detail of a black metal cable railing with water droplets on the horizontal surfaces. Bedroom with floor-to-ceiling glazing overlooking waterfront and trees. Bathroom featuring wood-paneled walls, terrazzo countertop, freestanding tub, and floor-to-ceiling glazing with water views. More from Prentiss Balance Wickline Similar homes by other architects 
