Interurban Residence: A Serene Forest Retreat by Heliotrope Architects

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Nestled within a lush five-acre wooded site near Seattle, Washington, the Interurban Residence stands as a testament to thoughtful, nature-integrated design. Created by Heliotrope Architects for a family of four, this home rejects urban chaos in favor of a deep connection with the surrounding forest. Every detail—from the sun-drenched interiors by Amy Baker Interior Design to the meticulously planned landscape by Land Morphology—ensures the home doesn’t just occupy the land but harmoniously blends with it.

This article explores the architectural brilliance, sustainable material choices, and seamless indoor-outdoor living that make the Interurban Residence a masterpiece of modern Pacific Northwest design.

Architectural Vision: A Home Rooted in Nature

Heliotrope Architects designed the Interurban Residence as a trio of gabled volumes, each clad in vertical Kebony siding—a sustainable, thermally modified wood that gracefully weathers to a soft silver-gray over time. The angled metal roofs with exposed half-round gutters emphasize durability while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic.

Key Exterior Features:

  • Floor-to-ceiling glazing floods interiors with natural light while framing the surrounding forest like a living mural.
  • Strategic orientation maximizes sunlight penetration, transforming the home into a glowing lantern at night.
  • No distant views? No problem. The architects turned the immediate woodland into the home’s primary visual focus, reinforcing its bond with nature.
The house presents a trio of connected, gabled volumes clad in vertical Kebony siding, a thermally modified wood that weathers over time into a soft gray. The gabled metal roofs drain into exposed half-round gutters, combining clean lines with durable function.

Outdoor Living: A Seamless Extension of Home

The Interurban Residence redefines outdoor living, with spaces designed for relaxation, play, and rejuvenation.

Key Outdoor Spaces:

  • Swimming Pool & Spa: Positioned in a sun-drenched clearing, the pool area includes a stone-paved terrace and an outdoor shower.
  • Plunge Pool & Sauna: Tucked discreetly into the treeline, this secluded retreat offers a tranquil escape.
  • Covered Outdoor Living Room: Blurring the line between indoors and out, this space functions as an all-weather extension of the home, complete with seating and shade for year-round use.
The house presents a trio of connected, gabled volumes clad in vertical Kebony siding, a thermally modified wood that weathers over time into a soft gray. The gabled metal roofs drain into exposed half-round gutters, combining clean lines with durable function.
The house presents a trio of connected, gabled volumes clad in vertical Kebony siding, a thermally modified wood that weathers over time into a soft gray. The gabled metal roofs drain into exposed half-round gutters, combining clean lines with durable function.

Interior Design: Where Elegance Meets Functionality

Entryway: A Warm, Textured Welcome

The approach winds through preserved native trees, leading to an entryway crafted from poured concrete pavers and wood decking—materials that bridge the landscape and architecture. A solid wood front door opens to reveal an interior where nature’s influence continues.

Living Room: Open, Airy, and Forest-Framed

  • Located in one of the home’s linear wings, the living room features high ceilings, a minimalist fireplace, and abundant glazing.
  • Narrow wing design + strategic window placement ensures balanced natural light throughout the day.
The living room is located in one of the long, linear wings and sits open to both the kitchen and dining areas. Generous glazing frames views of the surrounding trees, while high ceilings, a fireplace, and a restrained material palette give the space an easy, grounded elegance. Natural light is abundant, balanced across the day thanks to the wing’s narrow profile and window placement.

Dining Area: Designed for Connection

Adjacent to the living space, the dining area encourages long meals and conversation with clean-lined furniture that complements—rather than competes with—the architecture.

Just off the living space, this dining area continues the open layout, while the clean-lined furnishings are designed to complement the architecture without overpowering it. This is a space that invites lingering conversations and unhurried meals.

Kitchen: Minimalist Yet Highly Functional

  • Neutral palette of light wood and matte finishes for a calming effect.
  • Hidden bar seamlessly integrated into cabinetry—perfect for entertaining without disrupting the minimalist aesthetic.
Within the kitchen’s clean-lined design lies a subtle surprise, a hidden bar tucked within the seamlessly integrated cabinetry. Designed for both function and discretion, the bar offers a dedicated space for cocktails without interrupting the kitchen’s minimalist aesthetic.

Media Room: Cozy & Intimate

A retreat for movie nights or quiet reading, this space contrasts the home’s openness with a warm, enclosed atmosphere.

A more intimate space within the home, the media room is set slightly apart from the open-plan core. Designed for family movie nights or quiet reading, it balances the openness of the rest of the house with a cozier, enclosed atmosphere. Thoughtful lighting and soft finishes enhance the relaxed tone.

Home Office: A Serene Workspace

  • Floor-to-ceiling windows bring the forest indoors, fostering focus.
  • Minimalist yet warm furnishings reduce visual clutter.
The home office benefits from the same attention to light and material found throughout the rest of the home. Floor-to-ceiling windows bring in views of the forest, creating a serene environment for work and focus. The furnishings are minimal but warm, designed to support productivity without visual clutter.

Laundry Room: Practical Meets Refined

Even utilitarian spaces receive thoughtful design—natural light, durable countertops, and elegant cabinetry make chores feel less mundane.

Tucked within the support wing of the house, the laundry room balances utility with design. Natural light filters in through the door, making the space feel open and pleasant rather than utilitarian. Simple cabinetry, durable countertops, and easy-to-clean finishes support the daily rhythms of family life. Like the rest of the home, the materials are chosen for longevity and ease, reinforcing a quiet elegance even in the most functional spaces.

Powder Room: Small but Bold

Though compact, this space makes a statement with eye-catching wallpaper and high-end finishes.

Though compact in size, the powder room is designed with the same care and intention found throughout the home. It offers a moment of contrast and personality, a space where wallpaper can take center stage.

Private Retreats: Bedrooms & Bathrooms

Primary Bedroom: A Tranquil Sanctuary

  • Oversized windows frame undisturbed woodland views.
  • Neutral tones, soft textures, and high ceilings enhance relaxation.
Positioned for privacy, the primary bedroom looks out onto untouched woodland. The room’s design emphasizes tranquility, neutral tones, soft textures, and high ceilings that draw the eye upward. Oversized windows let the forest into the space, creating a deeply restful retreat.

Primary Bath: A Spa-Like Oasis

  • Impervious tile and natural light create a serene, durable space.
  • Custom wood vanity adds warmth, while a built-in soaking tub offers a treetop escape.
In the primary bath, impervious tile meets natural light in a calm, refined composition. A built-in bathtub offers a peaceful spot to unwind while looking out to the trees beyond.

Guest Suite: Flexible & Inviting

  • Built-in queen-sized bunk beds cater to guests and teens.
  • Playful yet practical design balances comfort and functionality.
The guest suite includes thoughtfully designed built-in bunk beds fitted with queen-sized mattresses, offering both flexibility and comfort. This area is made with guests and growing teens in mind, a playful but practical space that feels casual without being cramped.

Sustainability & Material Choices

The Interurban Residence prioritizes eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency:

  • Kebony siding (sustainable, low-maintenance wood).
  • Large windows for passive solar heating and natural lighting.
  • Durable, long-lasting finishes reduce the need for replacements.

Final Thoughts: A Masterclass in Nature-Integrated Design

The Interurban Residence is more than a home—it’s a harmonious extension of the forest itself. Every detail, from the sunlit interiors to the outdoor living spaces, reflects a deep respect for nature and a commitment to sustainable, elegant living.

For those seeking inspiration in modern forest homes, Heliotrope Architects’ work here proves that bold design and quiet restraint can coexist beautifully.

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