Brunner Architects

Jan 2013

The cottage was designed to fit within an island community of family cottages dating from the mid-1880s. Built on a long-held family property, and companion to an existing traditional shingle style cottage, this project continues a six-generation tradition of summering in Casco Bay. The form and general expression of the new cottage is based on the strength of its rich historical context; but through a few simple measures, strives toward a contemporary expression of its own time.

Chebeague Island, ME

Jan 2012

The clients for this project desired a second home with a unique personality. Set a midst the local vernacular of the historic mining culture of the Cascades, this modestly sized retreat from city life is a bold expression of a mountain cabin. The house is situated adjacent to a small meadow clearing within a surrounding mature forest. The house and garage are separate structures, connected by an open air breezeway. The whole assembly blends with the natural environment, carefully saving the most significant trees on site. The architectural character is contemporary in detail, but derived from traditional forms. The free flowing connection from the main living area to an outdoor terrace with a modern firepit encourages outdoor living. The exposed steel beam and column framing in the Great Room, extends to the exterior and is reminiscent of the timber crib framing seen in the local coal mines. The use of reclaimed wood on the interior gives a rustic warmth to the space.

Cle Elum, WA

Jan 2012

Forest lodge home in Cle Elum, WA

Cle Elum, WA

Jan 2009

This project in the Eastern Cascade mountains was born from a desire for a second home as a family base for outdoor mountain activities. This retreat from urban life speaks to a goal of simplicity and non-pretentiousness. The house is perched on the edge of a bluff overlooking the Cle Elum River valley with filtered distant mountain views. The house and garage are separate structures, connected by an open air breezeway. The whole assembly blends with the natural forest environment, carefully placed around existing trees. The architectural character is a relaxed assembly of parts reminiscent of a family mountain camp, evolved through several generations. Traditional mountain cabin materials of board and batten siding, Douglas fir, and Montana ledge stone, are mixed with a more contemporary exposed steel beam and column framing.

Cle Elum, WA

Jan 2007

This project, situated on the edge of a forest on the eastern slopes of the Cascade Mountains serves as a weekend and vacation retreat for a large active family. The building program is divided into three distinct parts of main house, guest house (the casita), and garage to achieve a modest scale and a separated division of use. A necklace of exterior terraces connects the three buildings while directing views to the distant mountains. The architecture is a contemporary interpretation of local mining sheds and mountain cabin vernacular. As a whole, the material palette of exposed timbers, stone masonry, and weathered siding are all detailed to express a modern rustic quality. The broad extended shed roofs protect the structures from the harsh mountain climate by filtering summer sun, and directing large amounts of snow in winter away from the primary living areas.

Cle Elum, WA