This vacation retreat is located on top of a mountain in Cle Elum Washington. The weather affecting this area is extreme, vacillating between intensely hot, arid summer days, high winds, violent storms, and heavy snowfalls. The client consisted of two couples, and their shifting cast of extended family members. There were several strict requirements: the house must be sited perfectly to take in views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, the structure must be simple in scale, and the house had to be virtually maintenance free.

The project began with a master plan for the 19-acre site, setting aside land for the current structure and any future buildings, space for a pond, and the organization of the "off the grid" utilities and vehicular circulation.

The house is designed in a boomerang shape, which embraces the easterly views. A simple kitchen, dining and living room make up the main floor, while a sleeping loft is perched above the kitchen. Future bunkhouses will supplement the sleeping loft.

The house is constructed with lodgepole timbers, metal siding and roofing, and stained concrete floors. Durability was compromised in favor of natural warmth in the selection of wood doors and windows. Care has been given to provide plenty of natural ventilation, keeping the house cool during the brutal summer months.