Modern meets nature in this home that opens to a meadow in the trees

May 16, 2025
A single tapered roof ties together this home, carriage house, and sauna creating a generous covered entry promenade.

Set in a sunny meadow and framed by tall evergreens, this Washington State home designed by Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects feels like a peaceful escape into nature. The architects recently shared a look inside the completed project, and it’s every bit as serene as its surroundings.

A single tapered roof ties together this home, carriage house, and sauna creating a generous covered entry promenade.

The home is nestled along the northern edge of a meadow, perfectly positioned to let sunlight pour into the main living space throughout the day. It’s a thoughtful layout that makes the most of the open setting and natural light.

A single tapered roof ties together this home, carriage house, and sauna creating a generous covered entry promenade.

A single, tapered roof sweeps over the home, carriage house, and sauna, tying the structures together and creating a welcoming covered entry that feels both grand and grounded.

A single tapered roof ties together this home, carriage house, and sauna creating a generous covered entry promenade.

The main home is designed around two distinct zones: a private wing that includes the primary suite, a studio, and utility spaces, and a light-filled pavilion-style living area that opens to the meadow on three sides, blurring the line between indoors and out.

A single tapered roof ties together this home, carriage house, and sauna creating a generous covered entry promenade.

As you approach the home, a series of metal panels guides you along the entry path, forming a secluded courtyard that holds the outdoor shower and sauna. The panels feature an abstract pattern inspired by the wake robin flower, a personal touch chosen by the clients.

The entry walk, which is defined by a series of water jet cut metal panels, creates a private interior court for the outdoor shower and sauna.

Step inside, and you’re immediately greeted with a clear view out to the patio and the surrounding landscape, setting a calm, open tone from the moment you walk through the door.

Inside this modern home, the entryway has a direct view of the patio and landscape.

The living room is filled with natural light, creating a bright and welcoming space. A cozy fireplace adds warmth, while custom cabinetry keeps the TV and a built-in workspace tucked neatly out of sight when not in use, blending comfort with clean design.

In this living room, natural light floods the interior, while a fireplace keeps things warm and custom-designed cabinetry hides the TV and a workspace when not in use.
In this living room, natural light floods the interior, while a fireplace keeps things warm and custom-designed cabinetry hides the TV and a workspace when not in use.
In this living room, natural light floods the interior, while a fireplace keeps things warm and custom-designed cabinetry hides the TV and a workspace when not in use.
In this living room, natural light floods the interior, while a fireplace keeps things warm and custom-designed cabinetry hides the TV and a workspace when not in use.

The wood ceiling, which runs throughout the home, including the open-plan kitchen and dining area, extends seamlessly to the exterior. Slim LED fixtures are thoughtfully integrated along the way, creating a continuous line of light that connects the indoors with the outdoors.

A modern open-plan kitchen and dining area that has a wood ceiling that continues outside.

Outside, generous patios stretch beneath the wide roofline, offering plenty of covered space to relax or entertain. The linear concrete surfaces blend gently into the landscape with pockets of plants throughout, while the flooring mirrors the interior, creating a smooth, seamless transition between indoors and out.

A modern home with a patio that's covered by the expansive roof.
A modern home with a patio that's covered by the expansive roof.
A modern home with a patio that's covered by the expansive roof.

In the primary bedroom and bathroom, the same floral-inspired pattern from the entryway reappears—carved into the headboard and echoed in the design of the outdoor shower. It’s a subtle, thoughtful detail that ties the spaces together beautifully.

A modern bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows.
A modern primary bedroom with wood accent wall and pattern motifs.
A modern home with both an interior and outdoor shower, as well as a sauna.

Here’s a look at the site plan, pattern study, and floor plan for the home.

The site diagram for a modern home.

The pattern study for a modern home.

The floor plan for a modern home.
Photography by Andrew Pogue Photography | Architect: Prentiss + Balance + Wickline Architects | Landscape Design: Allworth Design | Garden Design: Octavia Chambliss | Builder: Hobbs Home Building