fox island residence
This unique single family house sits on a hilly site on Fox Island, Washington. The design features a highly adaptive mass timber post-and-beam structure paired with NLT enclosure panels, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere. The L-shaped layout is carefully crafted to harmonize with the towering fir trees on site. One arm of the L houses the living and dining areas, along with a cantilevered covered deck that offers breathtaking views of the Puget Sound bay. A south-facing clerestory extends from the post-and-beam system, welcoming abundant natural light into the home. On the other arm of the L, two engawa-style decks nestle among the trees, offering an immersive experience for both the homeowners and their guests.
Inspired by Le Corbusier’s Dom-Ino but reimagined with mass timber technology, the structural system employs a 12’x12’ grid of timber columns, beams, and diagonal braced frames, combined with CLT/NLT slabs to maximize flexibility in both interior and exterior configurations. This approach enables large windows and window walls, enhancing views, daylighting, and natural ventilation.
The timber frame can also extend vertically, piercing through the roof to create a well-lit and well-ventilated clerestory. The 12’x12’ column grid is the result of extensive research, balancing architectural spatial design with structural efficiency for a wide range of applications, from residential projects to museums, resorts, and other large-scale buildings.
For ease of fabrication and installation, beams bypass the columns, particularly where multiple members converge. The steel connector system is fully engineered and parametric, allowing adaptability while maintaining a consistent strategy. Though the diagram depicts various connector types, the design remains uniform—components such as beam chairs or diagonal knife plates can be toggled based on the number of members at a connection. This system efficiently accommodates four beams and four bracings within a single joint.
