a dark, gated wall lends intrigue to this small house in the forest. Unfussy and simply organized, the house has two wings connected by a boardwalk and interior courtyard. "It seemed right to go into the space through a wall, almost like a veil, and then to find this outdoor room that really is an extension of the wings of the building," says Peter Q. Bohlin, FAIA.

One of our judges liked the way the wall creates focus and a "transition from urban life."

bohlin cywinski jackson, seattle

design principal: Peter Q. Bohlin, FAIA, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
project designer: Amy Williams, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
general contractor: Norm Gove, Cambridge Custom, Redmond, Wash.
landscape architect: Randy Allworth, ASLA, Allworth Nussbaum, Seattle
structural engineer: Jim Harris, PCS Structural Solutions, Seattle
project size: 1,611 square feet
site size: 28 acres
construction cost: Withheld
photography: Nic Lehoux.

product specs
bathroom fittings: American Standard, Ann Sacks Tile & Stone, Kohler Co.; bathroom fixtures: American Standard, Grohe America; countertops: Paneltech International (PaperStone); exterior siding: James Hardie Building Products; kitchen fittings: Elkay USA; kitchen fixtures: American Standard; oven/range: Wolf Appliance; paints/stains/wallfinishes: Benjamin Moore & Co.; refrigerator: Amana; roofing: Taylor Metal Products; windows: Milgard Windows