Gravity is commonly defined as a natural phenomenon by which physical bodies attract each other with a force proportional to their masses. However, Buck Mountain House seems to defy gravity with its apparent floating characteristics.
Situated on the steep slopes of Washington’s Orcas Island, this amazing building offers a stunning view over Buck Mountain and its surroundings. Maybe you’re already wondering how is it possible for a house to be floating in such a way… The answer lies in two slim concrete “legs” serving as foundations, delicately touching the rocky mountain side.
It’s all about establishing a close bound with Mother Nature. Even the program’s distribution follows the same logic: the access to the front door is made by a sinuous rocky path. Once inside, a large open space receives us in the most astonishing way, offering a framed view over the mountains.
In fact, the open living room dismantles any kind of distinction between indoor and outdoor spaces. Instead of using conventional walls, a folding door system was conceived in order to completely open the room to the spectacular views while allowing natural cross ventilation.
A steel skeleton rests over the two slim concrete “legs” creating a suspended platform for the house. A timber-framed clerestory provides natural light for all rooms. A final note about this ecological statement: costs and resources needed for maintenance are minimized by the absence of exterior finishing. Fiber board cladding requires no treatment and all steel elements are left in their raw condition.
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