This 2-bedroom house overlooking the Boise Valley is built primarily with composite wood materials in a conscious effort to articulate these materials as a desirable approach. Floors of oriented strand board, plywood cabinetry and laminated structural details exemplify this. The solar orientation of the house is in direct conflict with desirable views to the north and northeast. In order to frame sun and moonrises and city and landscapes, a strategy of vignettes was developed.

The house is set back from its cul-de-sac environs and engages aggressively with the geologic edge of its site. A glazed courtyard, protected by 20 year old trees, breaks from the austere solidity of the facade. This carefully designed space meets the client’s requirements of modest materials and a strong relationship between interior and exterior spaces.

Trout Architects/Chartered was awarded an AIA Award of Honor for the design.