Brian Korte— Architect
“We strive to make site-specific, architectural interventions that become so much a part of their context that it is hard to imagine them not being there.”
The sense of prospect and refuge at the entry and within the cave became a central tenet of the design. The very nature of the project is centered around protection through underground construction, with the earth serving as the primary insulative buffer between the variable exterior environment and the wish for a stable indoor environment.
A simple yet rich interior material palette was chosen for practical elegance, local availability, and minimal maintenance. Surfaced white oak, both natural and ebonized, and raw Douglas fir were selected throughout for wall paneling, cabinetry, and dropped ceilings to have a crispness that is complementary and contrasting to the irregularly textured cave surfaces. Salvaged cedar liveedge planks, sourced from a local sawmill, were used for the island top and vanity. The natural woods provide a warm contrast to the colder cave shell and concrete floor.
Craftsmanship hugely influenced the architectural process, and much consideration was given to re-using materials — whether book-matched slabs cut from a felled tree (bar and vanity tops), or site-fired bricks pulled from an aging building. Korte considers reusing materials a moral act of renewal and respect. Remains of buildings, landscapes, and other natural features are themselves a record of time: the Clayton Korte design team approaches each project with the humble recognition that their architecture and design will indelibly contribute to that record. Giving a felled tree, or even a venerable old building, a chance at a new life is quite meaningful and enriches the work, and in most cases is the most environmentally responsible move they can make.
Photography by Casey Dunn
Photography by Casey Dunn
Photography by Casey Dunn