Designing for Views and Lifestyle
Ultimately, we found an ideal 3-acre parcel nestled in Discovery Bay, a picturesque inlet between Port Townsend and Sequim. As part of the feasibility study, we conducted a geotech survey, including digging to determine the possible locations for the septic system; this ensured that the home would not need to be designed around those obstacles later.
Conducting a thorough feasibility study provided our team with the freedom to design the home to maximize both water and mountain views while creating a multi-generational layout that would accommodate the homeowners and one set of their parents. To maximize natural light, the home’s northwest-facing side features a dramatic window wall; on the opposite side, a large roof overhang and inset windows help reduce sound transmission from the nearby highway while clerestory windows bring in additional light. Despite proximity to SR-20, the home is nestled in the trees for a park-like feel.
Privacy for each couple was paramount, so we created a separate wing for the older couple, complete with living room, kitchenette, en suite bathroom with walk-in soaking tub and built-in shower, and access to the sweeping rear deck that overlooks the water; each wing has its own tankless water heating system.
In the common area, the great room features a dramatic fireplace, 17-foot ceilings with a massive chandelier, and a four-panel sliding door for seamless integration to the deck. The main kitchen has a large professional oven and hood, with a small secondary outdoor deck with a barbeque grill and pizza oven.
Other must-haves were a large, finished garage for several cars and a gym. Extra freezer space and an emergency generator provide additional peace of mind.
Building the dream home that accommodated both the buyers’ wish list and the unique attributes and requirements of the land was a direct result of thorough evaluation of the property, demonstrating the true value of feasibility studies and proactive due diligence for the custom home building process.
