Seattle-based architectural firm MWWorks presents a vacation home located in the rural setting of Whidbey Island, Washington. Inspired by the agricultural buildings from the turn of the century found on the site, this home is nestled on the edge of a dense forested slope. It overlooks traditional elements such as chicken coops, weathered red barns, cattle pastures, and fish ponds. From the valley below, the house adopts a humble and understated presence, thoughtfully respecting the rural farmland landscape.
This residence serves as both a home and a leisure retreat for a growing family with deep roots in Whidbey Island’s rural community spanning several generations. While designed for two primary occupants, the house can comfortably accommodate up to 20 guests. The layout includes a master bedroom with four additional bedrooms and a full dormitory space for visitors.
MWWorks designed the vacation home as a series of dispersed volumes set among tall Douglas fir trees, surrounding a courtyard planted with native flora. Local basalt stone walls define the home’s spatial organization and mark the courtyard’s boundaries. This courtyard acts as both a visual and physical link between the different volumes, providing open pathways and connections while allowing privacy and screening when necessary.
The rugged gravel path leading to the house meanders through dense, tranquil evergreen vegetation, gradually revealing a multi-level landscape of plants within the home and courtyard. At the owner’s request, the preservation of existing trees was prioritized throughout the design and construction process, even when it complicated building logistics.
Several interior doors and wall art pieces are carved from solid cedar blocks, originally crafted decades ago by family elders who were doctors. They created these carvings during downtime while caring for patients, establishing a meaningful bond between past and present generations. The master bedroom features a solid cedar door planned as a future carving project for the owner, who intends to engage in carving during leisure time spent cultivating the land, clearing brush, and raising organic cattle on the pasture below.
The home’s main palette consists of naturally weathered wood and concrete, locally sourced stone walls, dark rubber window frames, individual gypsum walls, and black steel accents. This combination creates a warm, rustic ambiance while remaining simple, fresh, and open. The design embodies an enduring residence that honors the forest and agricultural heritage of the site.
Project Information
Project Name: Whidbey Island Farm Vacation House
Design Firm: MWWorks
Location: Whidbey Island, Washington State, USA
Design Team: Steve Mongillo, Drew Shawver, Eric Walter, Briony Walker, Suzanne Stefan
General Contractor: Dovetail General Contractors
Structural Engineer: PCS Structural Solutions
Landscape Architecture: Kenneth Philips Landscape Architects
Photographer: Kevin Scott
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