- Project: Trout Lake House
- Architect: Olson Kundig Architects
- Location: United States, Trout Lake, Washington
- Year: 2020
- Area: 613 m2
- Photography: Jeremy Bittermann
A Home Designed to Engage Nature and Creativity
Nestled on a 40-acre agricultural site near the White Salmon River, the Trout Lake House by Olson Kundig is a compelling example of architecture in conversation with the land. Owned by a couple—both artists whose work is deeply inspired by nature—this home serves as both residence and creative sanctuary.
Framed by stunning views of Mount Adams, the home celebrates indoor-outdoor living, flexible workspaces, and minimal environmental disruption through its vernacular-inspired design and low-maintenance materials.
Agricultural Forms Reimagined
Inspired by traditional farm structures, the Trout Lake House consists of four distinct buildings arranged in two clusters:
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The main house, woodworking shop, and carport are united under a T-shaped roof, surrounding a covered courtyard that connects the three volumes.
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A standalone artist studio with a guest suite and patio sits nearby, offering privacy for work and opportunities for hosting community arts workshops.
These structures are clad in locally milled wood siding and corrugated metal roofing, both of which were weathered and rusted by the owners themselves, creating a raw, tactile expression of place and process.
Designed for Making and Living
The architecture intentionally separates living and working functions, while keeping all spaces connected in form, scale, and materiality. The artist studio is fully equipped and flexible, designed for both individual work and group retreats.
Inside the main house, a minimalist double-height volume contains the living, dining, and kitchen area, anchored by a concrete fireplace with hidden steel stairs leading to a loft library. A second stair in the foyer leads to the only bedroom, located above the bathroom and mudroom.
Two 30-foot-wide bi-fold doors open the house fully on both sides, framing panoramic views of the river and mountains while enhancing airflow and daylight. This allows artworks, tools, and nature to move effortlessly in and out of the space.
Materials That Age Gracefully
Olson Kundig selected industrial-grade, low-finish materials—concrete, plywood, steel, and raw wood—that weather naturally and require minimal upkeep. These choices not only suit the rugged rural climate, but also reflect the clients’ appreciation for honest materials and evolving surfaces.
Sliding barn doors and large bi-fold openings throughout the complex increase functionality, allowing for easy transport of large works and creating a continuous visual and physical connection to the outdoors.
A Model for Sustainable Artistic Living
Trout Lake House is more than just a home—it’s a multifunctional, deeply personal creative retreat. Through a balance of form, function, and environment, Olson Kundig delivers a design that empowers creative expression, sustainable living, and meaningful engagement with nature.
