Bridge House

Bainbridge Island, Washington

The site is a heavily wooded, south facing, waterfront lot bisected by a seasonal stream. The stream empties into historic Port Blakely harbor on the southern end of Bainbridge Island, Washington. Permission had been granted by the local government to culvert the seasonal stream and to fill the streambed to create a level building site.

The architect convinced the owners of the lot that the development of their land by culverting the stream was inappropriate. Through the Architect, a developer was found who shared the same convictions toward appropriate development on the land. The Architect and Developer sought to make this project a model of environmentally thoughtful work.

To minimize the impact on the seasonal stream and existing vegetation, the building was positioned to span 42 feet over the streambed. To minimize environmental pollution, materials that contain formaldehyde, such as plywood and other toxins were not used. Instead traditional techniques such as diagonal shiplap for sheathing and non-toxic stains and paints were employed. The building form relates to the historical mill town character of the existing architecture that lines the harbor.


- AIA Merit Award, 1989
- AIA Merit Award, Western Red Cedar Association,
- Citation, AIA/Sunset Magazine Western Home
Awards, 1991