Concept: Responds to the needs of a composite climate with aspects of hot-humid and cold conditions by utilizing a number of passive design strategies. As the west and northwest orientation are most impacted by heat and cold, they have solid facades, almost without fenestration. A number of support functions with lesser comfort demands are placed on that side of the house. The rooms wrap around a square spiral stair, which rises up from the exposed bedrock below to a deck with a view to the river valley beyond. The stair tower organizes all spaces and creates a multilevel plan; it illuminates interior spaces with its upper level glazing; it promotes natural ventilation utilizing enhanced convection; and during the winter months, the hot air that accumulates at the top of the tower is recirculated mechanically. An attached greenhouse serves as a passive winter heat source. It is shaded during the hot summer months.

Site:Located on the edge of a steep bluff, there is a stunning view to the north and northeast of the river and meadows below. The ste is tree studded and has several existing outbuildings. The building is located so as not to require tree removal.

Construction: A post and beam foundation with traditional light wood framing is balanced by masonry mass walls. Materials are local to the region: cedar siding, native stone, and galvanized tin. The simple stick framing has been exposed in all the rooms and serves as a low cost, decorative motif.