design | Crouched Low in the Woods: Whidbey Island Farm Retreat
In our times of growing yearning for nature and rest. There exists a home in the wilderness that heals simply by being seen. The location is Whidbey Island, about 50 kilometers north of Seattle.ย
Washington State offers a paradise-like living environment for those who enjoy outdoor activities, with its pristine mountains, deep forests, coastlines, and rivers all within reach. Among these natural wonders, Whidbey Island possesses a pastoral charm where rolling hills harmonize with farmland.
Seattle-based design studio mwworks received a commission from a senior couple in this region to design a retreat home. The couple wanted a second home that would also serve as a generous summer retreat for their three grown children and their families to visit together. Just imagine itโa secluded summer sanctuary where families can enjoy outdoor barbecues and fishing together.
The retreat home found its place on a hillside slope, nestled beside densely wooded forest and overlooking the family's own farmland. The homeowners, who are longtime locals with generational ties to the area, had two specific requirements: first, that construction would cause no damage to the surrounding trees, and second, that the home's presence would not disrupt the local ecosystem. This philosophy reflects the character of people in this nature-rich region who lead in environmental protection.
The building's design embodies respect for the surrounding abundant nature and historic farmland. This began with dividing and arranging the architecture into restrained, modest-sized structures.
The main building features an L-shaped layout with four bedrooms, while a smaller building serves as a guest house for grandchildren and other visitors. Between these two structures, positioned diagonally to face each other, lies a courtyard that facilitates communication between the buildings (through glass windows that allow visual connection) while providing privacy when needed. Though called a courtyard, this space is lush with native pine trees, shrubs, and ferns, making it indistinguishable from the surrounding environment. Only a low stone wall built from local basalt subtly defines the residential boundary.
The interior maintains an equally humble and understated character. The architects created a minimal, open atmosphere that is both warm and rustic while highlighting the outdoor environment. Within this framework, the wooden doors carved from cedar planks and wall art provide the family's personal warmthโa reflection of the owner's woodworking hobby from his younger days as a doctor. The master bedroom door remains untouched, left as a future canvas for the owner's creativity.
Material selection received special attention to honor the owner's request for environmental protection. Ensuring the building's longevity and minimal maintenance was equally important in this context. The answer lay in embracing nature's inherent beauty. Local basalt stone was used, along with naturally weathered local cedar for exterior materials that require no additional finishing. Formaldehyde-free cellulose insulation was installed, and low-VOC water-based paint finishes were applied throughout. Heating is provided by a gas boiler using radiant heat, and argon-filled glass window systems were adopted for effective insulation. Large glass windows draw in hillside breezes for natural cooling.
Wood and stone naturally weathered by time. A sanctuary secretly filled with these simple elements that bring peace to the mind. The homeowner's reverence for timeless things fills this place with warm beauty.
The Whidbey Island Farm Retreat received recognition at the prestigious 2019 AIA Honor Awards in the Pacific Northwest region category.
- Written by The JODE Team | Photos by Kevin Scott ยฉ Courtesy mwworks | Originally published on Naver Korea as ์ํ ์์ ๋ฎ๊ฒ ์๋๋ฆฐ ์ฌ๋ฆ ์์ ์ฒ; translated and edited in 2025