Under construction… With the Methow River Retreat, we conscientiously limited its footprint to minimize disruption of the riverfront site. This careful approach allows the home to reflect craft and integrate passive design solutions while sitting lightly on the land.

With a keen focus on preserving views in all directions and ensuring privacy, window placement is carefully planned for maximum impact. Low leakage, high R-value European tilt-turn style windows have wood interiors and aluminum exteriors, providing efficiency, durability, and beauty.

A ground-source heat pump that leverages the earth's consistent temperature was selected for enhanced efficient heating and cooling.  Spray foam is used sparingly and is purposeful, prioritizing condensation control at the roof while minimizing environmental impact. To maximize solar panel efficiency, the south-facing roof orientation is complemented by a battery system for an uninterrupted power supply during power outages.

Energy-efficient appliances were selected. From a combination heat pump washer/dryer to an induction range, each choice reflects efficiency and sustainability.

TEAM
Architect: CAST
Builder: Bjornsen Construction
Structural Engineer: Harriott Valentine Engineers
Biologist: George Wooten

See more: www.castarchitecture.com/methow-river-retreat

Seattle Architect CAST designs affordable housing in the Methow Valley

Winthrop, Washington

ON THE BOARDS — The Housing Authority of Okanogan County’s new Wildrose Apartments will provide 22 new affordable housing units targeted at families earning 30% of Area Median Income. Homes will be a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments, accommodating families, seniors, and young adults. A major design goal of the project is to achieve a high-level of integration between the apartments and the surrounding neighborhood of affordable single-family homes being simultaneously developed by the Methow Housing Trust.

The apartments are distributed into three 2-story structures surrounding two sides of a large commons that serves both communities. Both upper and lower units provide outdoor space facing the park, energizing the open space with many sources of activity around its perimeter. The footprint and envelope of each building is kept simple to reduce cost; secondary porches and balconies add visual interest while providing solar shading and weather protection.

Housing Authority of Okanogan County’s mission:
Assisting residents of Okanogan County to acquire and retain affordable housing while strengthening our communities by removing barriers, empowering dignity, and building trust.
www.okanoganhousing.org

See more: www.castarchitecture.com/wildrose-apartments

siting the berm house in washington’s Methow valley

Bermed into a meadow, the Berm House has a low profile and opens to the valley panorama of mountains and agricultural fields. The south-facing building orientation optimizes passive heating, and the large overhang protects from snowfall and intense summer sun. The home is post and beam structure with a cross-laminated timber (CLT) roof, prefabricated in northeastern Washington. Thermal bridges are minimized by wrapping the house in continuous external insulation, including under the foundation, isolating the home from outdoor temperature swings. The bermed roof, with 12-inches of soil, adds thermal mass and protection from weather exposure.