Bean's Bight Residence

Project Details

Project Description

Beans Bight Remodel Bainbridge Island, Washington bight a noun : a bend in a coast forming an open bay The Beans Bight Residence sits on the shore of a shallow bay on Puget Sound, facing southwest to views of Mount Rainier. Constructed in 2002 it was built in a Nantucket style: an exterior of shingles, white trim and windows with divided lights; interior of white paneling, trim and little connection to the exterior. The client’s charge was to remodel the house to represent the Pacific Northwest aesthetic of materials and colors, strengthen the connection between interior and exterior and incorporate their extensive collection of art from Washington, British Columbia and Alaska. In the landscape an entry gate and a fence to create a buffering courtyard on the entry side of the house from the driveway was to be added. The architect replaced walls and small windows with large, simple, wood framed windows. Interior finishes were changed from painted wood to natural woods, accents of burnished steel plate and a muted color palette. Casework of painted wood was removed and new cabinets of natural wood were built in new configurations. Exterior materials were brought in through the newly transparent walls to strengthen the connection between interior and exterior. The exterior was refinished with colors appropriate to the northwest. A new entry gate structure welcomes guests and leads into the courtyard which is anchored by a pool and the sound of running water. Bluestone paving now wraps the house on both the courtyard and water sides of the house. The revisions completely transformed the house. Without significant changes to the floor plan but with very significant revisions to the facades and materials, the house has settled into the landscape and feels at home.