Perched on a narrow terrace above the pristine waters of Lake Cle Elum, this 2,800-square-foot modern cabin represents architectural excellence in challenging terrain. Seattle-based sticklab has crafted a residence that seamlessly integrates contemporary design with the rugged beauty of Washington’s Cascade Mountains, creating a home that performs as beautifully as it looks.
The site itself presented formidable constraints. Steep slopes plunge toward the lake below, leaving only a small shelf suitable for construction. Rather than fight the topography, Sticklab embraced these limitations, designing a structure that appears to float above the water while respecting the natural contours of the land. The result is a home that feels both grounded and weightless, anchored to its surroundings yet elevated above the everyday.
Designer:
Material selection reflects the harsh realities of mountain living. Concrete, dark metal, and wood form the primary palette—each chosen for durability and fire resistance in a region where wildfires pose constant threats. These materials weather gracefully, requiring minimal maintenance while developing character over time. The dark metal cladding creates striking contrasts against the evergreen forest, while expanses of glass frame dramatic lake views and distant peaks.
Engineering prowess becomes apparent in the roof design, which serves dual purposes throughout the year. During Washington’s notoriously heavy winters, the structure bears substantial snow loads without compromise. When summer arrives, the same roof system houses recessed shades that control intense sunlight, maintaining comfortable interiors without sacrificing views. This thoughtful approach ensures year-round livability in a climate that swings between extremes.
The 800-square-foot detached garage complements the main residence while providing practical storage for mountain gear and vehicles. Its separation from the main house reduces the building footprint on the constrained site while creating visual breathing space between structures. Both buildings share the same material vocabulary, creating architectural harmony across the property.
Inside, the cabin maximizes its modest footprint through intelligent space planning. Large windows blur boundaries between interior and exterior, making rooms feel more expansive while showcasing the surrounding landscape. The design celebrates the view rather than competing with it, allowing Lake Cle Elum’s natural beauty to serve as the primary artwork.
FAQs
1. Can you visit or tour the Lake Cle Elum house?
The Lake Cle Elum house appears to be a private residence and isn’t available for public tours. While widely featured in architectural publications and on Sticklab’s portfolio website, there’s no indication it operates as a vacation rental or offers scheduled tours. You can view detailed photographs and project information on Sticklab’s website at sticklab.com, but visiting the actual property would require private arrangements.
2. How did Sticklab actually construct the house on such a steep, difficult site?
Building on steep slopes requires specialized techniques since heavy equipment, concrete trucks, and materials suppliers all struggle with slopes. Construction typically takes longer and costs more. The team likely used equipment designed for rough terrain, and it may be necessary to pump concrete to your foundation on such sites. Rather than extensive excavation, they took advantage of the existing narrow shelf, requiring careful drainage management and strategic material transport to the challenging location.
3. What’s it like to live in the house during Washington’s harsh winters?
The house was specifically engineered for extreme winter conditions. The roof of this very modern Washington cabin is engineered to hold deep snow during winter months while housing recessed shades for summer comfort. Materials like concrete, dark metal, and wood handle freeze-thaw cycles with minimal maintenance. Winter living means significant snowfall, but the engineering makes it manageable. Large windows bring precious light during short, dark days while maintaining those dramatic lake views.
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