High Prairie Residence: Serene and Durable Architecture Design

High Prairie Residence: A Little Blip on the Hill

The High Prairie Residence project, created by the eb architecture + design architectural studio, is a testament to simplicity and durability. Situated in the rural community of High Prairie, in Lyle, Washington, this modest getaway residence offers a comfortable abode in response to its dramatic setting. Tucked into a gentle hillside, about 15 miles north of the Columbia Gorge, the residence is a quiet addition to its massive 120-acre landscape.

A Place of Serenity

As you step inside the High Prairie Residence, you'll feel a sense of serenity. The house is situated at the edge of the site's own oak forest, using the trees and the slope of the hillside for protection against the often-harsh winds and weather. Despite its modest size, the house expands outward to offer views of the distant volcanic peaks of the Cascade Range. Every aspect of the house, from its siting, geometry, arrangement of rooms and privacy, to its treatment of light, structure, and materials, is governed by these two priorities.

Designing for Privacy and Communal Spaces

The High Prairie Residence uses a central site-cast concrete wall to separate public and private spaces. In this modest 2 bar plan, the wall defines a covered communal outdoor space and the main entry court. On one side of the wall, the master suite steps down from the main level, conforming to the existing topography to become a private sanctuary with windows on all sides taking in the view. The other side of the wall leads to two guest bedrooms and a shared bath, nestled into the hillside in a self-contained suite.

Durability and Minimal Maintenance

The building exterior is clad in ground face CMU and sheltered by a weathering steel roof. This design is a nod to the agricultural language of the surrounding area, and in response to our clients' concerns for longevity, permanence, and minimal maintenance. Two site walls extend from the house's southwestern face into the topography, anchoring the house into the landscape and providing extra protection from the unchallenged prevailing winds. A detached garage, completely clad in weathering steel, purposely sited a short walk from the house, slides into the trees, melding into the landscape.

In conclusion, the High Prairie Residence is a testament to simple design, durability, and the natural beauty of the landscape. The house celebrates honest durability, doing nothing extra in deference to the natural drama of the surroundings. The project is a perfect example of how an architectural design can blend perfectly with nature to create a serene and comfortable living space.

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