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The Lightbox is a 1,650-square-foot home and studio designed by Seattle-based architecture firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson. Completed in 2015, the residence is nestled in a dense, coastal woodland on a peninsula south of British Columbia in Washington state. Designed for a photographer and his young family, the home is a celebration of light, shadows, and its tranquil forest setting.
The house was created with a special appreciation for simplicity and well-crafted details, reflecting the photographer-owner's eye for light and composition. The core of the design is the juxtaposition of two contrasting volumes that are "zipped" together.
A "glass cage" for living: A two-story, south-facing volume, enclosed in glass, serves as the main living space. This transparent section allows sunlight to filter through the trees, constantly changing throughout the day.
A solid "black box" for privacy: The northern volume is a solid box, stained black with a traditional Finnish pine tar coating. This volume contains the stairs and other private areas, with narrow apertures that frame specific views of the old-growth Douglas firs and cedars.
The house sits lightly on the land, accessed by a sloped boardwalk that crosses over the forest floor.
The building's skin uses simple, affordable materials in a straightforward yet innovative way. An exposed wood structural frame supports a prefabricated, uniformly-sized aluminum window system to keep costs low.
The interior further reinforces the connection to nature and the simple, robust design philosophy.
Mezzanine level: Above the double-height living room, a mezzanine offers additional space while maintaining an open feel.
The floors are polished concrete on the lower level and exposed wood car decking upstairs. Shelving is crafted from resawn timbers, and the interior uses wood slats to screen areas, a detail inspired by Japanese design. Hydronic radiant heat and antique cast-iron radiators efficiently keep the space warm, supplemented by a centrally located fireplace.
Project credits
Architects: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, led by Peter Bohlin.
Client: Photographer Nic Lehoux and his family.
Photography: Nic Lehoux.
Location: Point Roberts, Washington, USA.
Awards: The project received a 2017 AIA Small Projects Award.
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Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
About
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson:
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson is an American architectural practice known for its humane and elegant designs for buildings ranging from residences to large institutional, commercial, and civic projects. The firm emphasizes active collaboration with clients and a deep understanding of each project's unique circumstances. Notable for its highly awarded portfolio and innovative approaches, BCJ maintains a strong focus on people, place, and materials. The practice was founded in 1965 and operates from five studios across the country, with its Washington office located in Seattle.
