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Howard Residence and Studio

Single Floor Living with a Studio

A small but well-planned second story provides a comfortable living space on one floor. A carport with a breezeway allows you to park and enter at the living space level, while internal stairs provide access to the lower studio level of the house. Creating small footprints that maximize utility is a cornerstone of Intrinsic Designs’ philosophy.

Three inches of exterior insulation creates an R-36 wall
A clipped roof lends a modern look

Energy Efficiency

The residence is designed with a very high level of energy efficiency and with a consciousness toward environmentally sensitive material choices. An Earthbermed wall and high levels of insulation on the walls and in the roof create an enclosure that approaches Passive House levels of energy efficiency. High efficiency heat pumps provide heating and cooling, while a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) keeps indoor air quaility high.

Highly efficient triple pane windows let the light in and provide beautiful up valley views

Simple, clean interior finishes provide a warm living space that is brought to life with natural light pouring in through the windows. Attention paid to siting and window placement ensured that the best views were captured and privacy was maintained. Efficient use of space helps to make the most out of a small footprint.

A small but efficient kitchen has enough space for all your culinary needs

Gardner View House

The Gardner View House sits on a bench above the Methow River and was designed with a nod to traditional valley aesthetics while keeping to the clean lines of a long low modern shed roof form. Thus, posts and beams of dark brown wood and the use of single hung windows reflects the old agricultural tradition in the neighborhood.

The house has passive solar design built in to capture the heat of the low southern sun through the winter months. The big 5′ overhang on the south side blocks the sun during the heat of the summer. During the winter the low angle of the sun sneaks under that overhang and pours warmth into the living space. Deep porches on the West side of the house block the hot afternoon sun.

The Breezeway doubles as the Front Porch

A post and beam breeze way leading from the garage doubles as the front porch entry for the house providing shelter for the entrance and safe passage to the outbuilding. A distinctly mid century modern front door welcomes visitors and leads them into a small foyer and quick access to the mudroom. From the foyer, one can see straight through the house to the magnificent view of Mt Gardner.

Soft blue tile adds a beautiful splash of color to the Kitchen

Sunlight bathes the open kitchen through big south facing windows providing winter warmth and a wonderful space to sit. The dining space is surrounded by views to the south and west and is capped by a stylish modern chandelier.

A custom designed two sided gas fire place separates the kitchen from the living space. Book shelves with storage cabinets below line an entire wall of the living space. The richness of the wood adds a warmth to the room that is irreplaceable. Natural light and long views towards the mountains are provided by a bank of west facing windows.

A light and bright living space

Specs:

  • Passive solar design captures winter heat and blocks summer sun
  • High R value walls and ceiling provide high energy efficiencies
  • Pole mounted Solar Panels help offset the energy use
  • Radiant infloor heat in concrete slab on grade
  • Propane Stove for backup heat
  • Low pitch shed roof holds snow
  • Western porches shade from summer sun
  • Two bedrooms plus a small office in 1500 sqft
  • Master suite with walk in closet and master bath
  • A beautiful mix of regional wood siding
  • Truly a Methow Modern home