- Project: Rimrock Residence
- Architect: Olson Kundig Architects
- Location: United States, Spokane, Washington
- Year: 2013
- Area: 482 m2
- Photography: Benjamin Benschneider
An Elevated Home with Purpose and Presence
Perched on a volcanic basalt bluff overlooking Riverside State Park, the Rimrock Residence by Olson Kundig is a 5,200-square-foot home that embraces its dramatic setting while minimizing its impact on the surrounding landscape. The T-shaped structure not only responds to the site’s topography but also lifts the home above a natural game path, preserving vital wildlife movement between the mountains and river.
This approach transforms the house into a bridge between nature and shelter, offering panoramic views while demonstrating deep environmental respect.
Architectural Response to Landscape and Climate
The “rimrock” formation—a cliff of basalt at the edge of a canyon—gives the home its name and informed its placement. Hovering the structure above the terrain ensures:
-
Uninterrupted animal movement beneath the house
-
Protection from snow accumulation during severe winter conditions
-
Enhanced 180-degree views across valleys, rivers, and forests
This elevated positioning also allows the use of floor-to-ceiling glazing on the main level without risking snow drifts blocking the sightlines or overwhelming the structure.
Inversion of Transparency
Challenging conventional layout expectations, Rimrock Residence inverts the typical transparency of residential architecture. Here:
-
The lower level, which contains the kitchen, dining, and living areas, is highly transparent, connecting occupants with the landscape and including a bridge element across the natural animal path.
-
The upper level is more enclosed and private, offering retreat-oriented bedrooms with framed, intimate views rather than full panoramas.
This design balances shelter and exposure, mediating between prospect and refuge at the edge of a dramatic natural drop-off.
Reclaimed Materials and Resilient Performance
The home’s rugged aesthetic is matched by its material palette. Designed to withstand Spokane’s powerful storms and intense seasonal shifts, the structure features:
-
Mild steel and glass as primary materials
-
90–95% reclaimed steel, locally sourced by the owner
-
Automatic exterior shades that adjust seasonally, improving energy efficiency
-
Rainwater collection system that funnels roof runoff into a dry well, reducing site erosion and replenishing groundwater
This sustainable and locally attuned strategy underlines Olson Kundig’s commitment to environmentally responsible design.
Rimrock Residence: A New Model for Environmental Integration
The Rimrock Residence demonstrates that thoughtful architecture can support both ecological stewardship and aesthetic refinement. By floating above the earth, preserving local wildlife routes, and embracing passive environmental strategies, the home becomes a case study in balancing bold form with environmental ethics.
