With a design inspired by its surroundings, overlooking the river, The Pierre was conceived as a retreat, nestled in the rocks. Its name, Pierre, the French word for stone, celebrates the materiality of the site. The property is situated in the San Juan Islands, Washington State, and is composed of stone, a green roof and large windows, which help it merge into nature. To enable this project, they used dynamite, hydraulic hammers and some hand tools in order to excavate the rocks and give birth to this magnificent home. In addition to spaces structured in the rocks, reinforced concrete was also used in the construction process.
With the exception of the guest suite, which is separate from the other areas, The Pierre operates on the main level, where the open kitchen and the dining and living room are centred. The timber cladding, flowing from the outside terrace into the kitchen space, that immediately grabs your attention; as do the large bookcases, incorporated in this flow of timber, opening to provide hidden access to the laundry and kitchen storage area. The oversize steel and glass pivoting door, leading outdoors onto a terrace from the living space, is another eyecatcher. In the master suite, a custom-designed bed, with leather head and foot boards, is surrounded by floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. Throughout the house, the presence of rock can be seen, expanding throughout the space, contrasting with the luxurious textures of the furniture. The interior and exterior fireplaces were carved in existing stone to give a raw and original touch to the pieces; the main bathroom was given a washbasin, where water cascades through three polished pools in the existing stone.
The Pierre covers some 2500 square feet and was developed by the Olson Kundig team, more precisely by the hands of Tom Kundig.
This is a remarkable project, the design and construction of which stays firm in the memory of anyone who sees it. It is a modern house, which explores the essence and natural spirit of the site. A refugie has been sculpted on rock. A place to live and feel.
