A Sanctuary For Makers: The French Creek Workshops House

There is a pervasive myth that retirement signals a winding down, a slow fade into inactivity and television reruns. However, for a newly retired couple in Snohomish, Washington, this next chapter was viewed not as an end, but as a vibrant beginning—a time to immerse themselves fully in the crafts they love.

To realise this vision, they turned to the talented team at Seattle-based studio Wittman Estes, who have delivered a masterclass in Pacific Northwest modernism. The result is the French Creek Workshops House, a stunning architectural duality that balances domestic comfort with creative industry, all set against the lush, rain-soaked backdrop of a former animal sanctuary.

Situated on a sprawling 4.5-acre site that borders a protected wetland, the project is defined by its harmonious relationship with the environment. Rather than fighting the notorious Washington rain, the design embraces it.

Founding principal Matt Wittman drew inspiration from the ancient Roman impluvium, designing the structures to not merely shed water, but to choreograph its movement.

A striking corrugated metal roof with deep overhangs protects the wood-clad exterior, guiding rainwater into a series of reflecting pools. This creates a dynamic, sensory experience where the weather becomes a central component of the architecture, turning a gray drizzle into a meditative visual feature.

The layout of the property is a thoughtful response to the clients’ lifestyle. The project is split into two distinct volumes: a 2,471-square-foot main residence and a robust 1,471-square-foot workshop, separated by a lush, meticulously landscaped courtyard.

This intermediate outdoor space acts as a decompression zone, progressing from a welcoming garden through a series of ponds to an elevated pathway that runs along the main house. It physically and mentally separates “living” from “making,” allowing the residents to commute to work just by walking across their garden.

And what a place to work it is. The workshop building is the stuff of dreams for any creative soul. Far from a dusty shed, it is a high-spec facility designed to accommodate weaving, glass blowing, furniture making, and various other artistic pursuits.

The structure features a shed roof that lifts up to reveal clerestory windows on the north side, drawing in the even, diffused light that is prized by artists. Strategically positioned to block noise from the adjacent highway, the workshop ensures that the living environment remains a serene, secluded haven.

Slatted wood screens, fabricated by the residents themselves, enclose the exterior loading dock, adding a personal touch of craftsmanship to the facade while filtering light into the interior spaces.

Inside the main home, the focus shifts to “aging-in-place,” though the term feels insufficient for such a stylish execution. The single-level design prioritizes accessibility without sacrificing aesthetics. Wide doorways and flush thresholds ensure ease of movement, while sandblasted concrete floors, cast-in-place with hydronic radiant heating, provide a tactile, cozy foundation against the damp climate.

The gentle terracing of the design allows the house to nestle into the sloped terrain naturally, blurring the lines between the built environment and the wild wetlands beyond.

The French Creek Workshops House is more than just a dwelling; it is a machine for living and creating. It acknowledges that our passions don’t retire when we do. By creating a space that honors the rain, the landscape, and the act of making, Wittman Estes has built a home that is as inspiring as the art produced within its walls.

It is a stellar example of how architecture can facilitate a rich, multi-faceted life, proving that the best way to enjoy a rainy day in Washington is to have a beautiful roof over your head and a workshop full of tools.

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