Chester is a Corgi.

This small weekend home serves as an outpost for him and his human companions as they enjoy walking through 29 acres of poplar and beech trees. The small footprint and vertical design minimizes site disturbance while granting views of distant mountains. Although the function is unique, the form makes a gesture to homes built for local soapstone quarry workers in the 1930s.

The metal clad exterior is playfully broken by pushing and pulling a wood frame. This effect was used to accentuate a kitchen on the main floor and an exterior balcony off the bedroom above. The interior framing continues this expression: floor joists are exposed creating additional height while interior walls are fitted with through wall shelves to promote daylight and access to views. Built into the slope, the basement provides storage, mechanical, and laundry space. A dormer on the north side of the attic, which is accessible by ladder, offers views over the treetops while promoting passive cooling.

• Re-use of logging road
• Orientation south for future active solar components
• Exterior trellis for solar shading
• Tree debris mulched and used on-site 
• Metal roofing / siding (for durability and recycling)
• Aromatic cedar tree harvested on-site for balcony column
• Rainscreen exterior wall assembly
• Bio-Based soy foam insulation
• Loewen Windows and Doors (Metal clad, low E, argon filled, U values exceed Energy Star)
• Borate treated Enviro-Safe Plus exterior decking with Cabot's stain
• Strawboard floor panels with Low VOC finish
• FSC certified wood for interior built-ins
• Energy Star appliances and heat pump
• Convection wood stove (Morso)
• Tankless on-demand hot water heater