Red Dog Guest House, Winthrop
The Red Dog Guest House is a project that seeks to bridge modern and traditional design while bringing beauty and added utility to a property in the Methow Valley. The RDGH sits prominently in an open field and as such takes in huge views in three directions. The combination of shed and gable roof lines looks to fit with the character of the buildings in the surrounding landscape while making a strong sculptural statement of its own. A roof system of wood beams covered in Douglas Fir decking makes for a rich earthy feel and ensures that this space is built for the long term.
Visitors to the Red Dog Guest House are greeted by a large porch roof and entry deck with a custom storage bench to give quick respite from summers heat or winters snow. Deep greys and muted browns color the exterior of the building and help mask its presence in a wide-open field. The natural wood tone of the roof beams helps to soften and warm the exterior at close range.
A second story guest space focuses banks of windows toward the beautiful up-valley views giving a sense of being perched on the land. A north-facing porch gives the visitor an area from which to take in the vista and watch the hawks ride breezes rising off the nearby bluff. Long banks of joined windows allow one to take in sweeping views of the landscape from virtually anywhere in the main living space..
The interior makes use of efficient living and sleeping spaces. Bedrooms are purposefully kept small to leave more space for kitchen, living, and dining. The kitchen features a beautiful custom designed cherry and maple built-in dining area tucked into a windowed corner. Graphite grey cabinetry and white quartz countertops add a cohesive beauty through out.
Project Construction
Construction of the Red Dog Guest House started with the removal of an old RV Barn and reuse of the existing foundation and infrastructure. To reuse and improve upon was a guiding principal from the start. Working with Blackcap Builders Collective ensured that the old building was recycled into the community or back into the new structure. The building is sided with Hardie Board to protect it from fire and provide a highly durable low maintenance finish. Insulation values were ramped up to provide a comfortable low energy living space. Higher insulation values were added to south and west walls to block summers heat. High insulation values in the roof help conserve heat in the winter.
One can’t miss the strong presence of the roof’s beams and decking. Natural wood tones and the inherent strength of the beams give one a sense of safety amid such a powerful landscape. The repetitive pattern of beam and decking create a rich interior and enhance the connection from outside to inside on the second floor.
Outdoor living spaces abound to foster a comfortable time spent outside. A large shaded south-facing entry deck welcomes visitors and provides a place to watch the days’ events change over the long-distance valley view. A north-facing porch on the first floor provides a place to gather with groups and enjoy the shaded side of the house. Above, a second-floor north-facing porch gives an intimate place to sit with the view.
Specs:
- Roof – Douglas Fir Beams and Deck
- Extra high insulation values in roof and south and west-facing walls
- House systems prepared for future solar installation
- Reuse of an existing foundation
- Hardie Board siding for fire resistance
- Metal roofing for long term durability
- Custom metal posts and brackets
- Custom built in dining nook
- Sauna!