Basecamp

A fire-resilient lookout.

Project overview

This welcoming lodge for friends and family will be nestled in the sage and pines. Our design mixes equal priorities of fire and climate resilience, spatial and resource minimalism, and the feeling of being perched in a bird’s nest.

1,500 square feet Ellensburg, WA
Preliminary Design
Design criteria
Elevation

2990

'

Climate zone

5B

Heating degree days

6499

Cooling degree days

535

Winter design temperature

2

° F

Frost depth

24

"

Concept

The clients’ acreage in a conservation zone displays beautiful seasonality of flora and fauna. With a climate palatable year-round, they want to ‘feel like you are outside when you’re inside.’ The program is sized and arranged to allow the clients to host friends and family in ample gathering space and have a private bedroom retreat to. The shared Lodge features a kitchen, dining and conversation area, bunk beds and a bathroom, and connects via a screened dogtrot to the primary suite.

Site

The clients have spent years camping on the site, observing the natural processes, and gradually pruning vegetation to comply with local Wildland Urban Interface code requirements. Together we have chosen a building location that balances the beauty of the site: centering on southern sun in a collective gathering space, yielding views to key alignments up the valley, and capturing the energy of their topography and its ephemeral draws.

Materials

We will employ a raised-up building technique on piers to minimize poured concrete and site disturbance, and take advantage of the uneven topography. Double stud walls, metal siding and roofing, and high-performance windows will round-out the resilience of this structure. The clients are seasoned do-it-yourselfers and plan to install interior finishes and playful flourishes over time.

Build

Credits
Builder

Owner

Trades
Architect

Trace

Consultants

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