Orcas House by Allied8: A Sustainable Forest Retreat in the Pacific Northwest

Nestled within a lush old-growth forest, the Orcas House by Allied8 Architects is a masterclass in modern, sustainable residential design. Completed in 2023, this 1386-square-foot contemporary home sits dramatically cantilevered off a cliff, offering breathtaking views to the north and south. Designed by Leah Martin and Stephan Schwartzkopf, the house harmoniously blends architecture, nature, and sustainability, creating a space that is both functional and deeply connected to its environment.

Harmonizing with Nature

Set on a site rich with moss, mature trees, and exposed bedrock, the Orcas House was conceived with a delicate environmental footprint. The design preserves the forest ecosystem, using only six points of contact with the ground via a steel moment frame foundation. With a footprint of less than 100 square feet touching the earth, the home allows nature to flow around it uninterrupted—an afternoon visitor might even find a full-grown buck resting in the shade of the cantilever.

The exterior features Kebony wood, naturally aging to blend with the surrounding tree bark, while expansive windows frame the verdant landscape. Inside, the design is bright, open, and modern, employing a monochromatic palette that accentuates light and space. A suspended loft, standing six feet tall, offers versatile use as a sleeping area, play zone, or workspace, seamlessly integrating functionality with architectural elegance.

Sustainable Design Strategies

Sustainability is at the core of the Orcas House. The design avoids traditional concrete foundations, a major contributor to global carbon emissions, in favor of 100% recycled, US-made steel. This approach minimized environmental impact while keeping costs manageable, increasing the foundation budget by only about 10%. Every material choice was intentional, demonstrating a commitment to low-carbon residential architecture without sacrificing durability or style.

Functional and Flexible Living

Despite its compact 1,386 square feet, the Orcas House accommodates a large family or multiple guests. The primary bedroom sleeps two, the bunk room sleeps up to ten, and additional loft and living spaces offer flexible sleeping options. The open-plan kitchen and dining area anchor the home, with large sliding doors that extend the interior into the surrounding forest, encouraging gatherings, communal meals, and immersive outdoor experiences.

This is not a fragile, purely aesthetic design—it is a home made for life, adventure, and connection with nature. It embodies modern sustainable living, offering a blueprint for environmentally conscious architecture that respects both site and community.

Architectural Features

Location: United States
Architects: Allied8
Area: 1,386 SF
Year: 2023
Lead Architects: Leah Martin, Stephan Schwartzkopf
Materials & Manufacturers: Kebony wood, Fisher & Paykel, Miele, Anderson Glass, Article Furniture, BLUDOT, Caesar Stone, Champion Roofing, CordaRoy’s, Glidelite, Ikea, Kohler, Zline
Photography: Rafael Soldi