Geremia Design Imbues an Olson Kundig Retreat With Warm Tones and Modern Art
Designed by renowned Seattle–based architects Olson Kundig, the False Bay Residence and Writer’s Cabin exhibits a restrained, minimal palette and architectural composition. The buildings quietly nestle into the lush surroundings on Washington’s San Juan Islands, framing exquisite views of the bay and mountains with minimal impact on the site.
Designed by Olson Kundig with interiors by Geremia Design, False Bay Residence takes cues from the surrounding agricultural buildings on the site. A steeply pitched roof, open interior, loft space, and overall height resonate with the vernacular of the area.
Olson Kundig's natural and warm architectural palette combines metal, wood, and concrete, set against the blues and greens of the lush surroundings and bay.
A limited material palette of wood, concrete, and steel combine with thoughtful solutions for day lighting and privacy. Large windows emphasize the connection to the outdoors. Efficiently laid out interiors provide space for entertaining, family, and the display of the owner's art collection. Newly furnished and decorated by interior design studio Geremia Design, the spaces are an elegant combination of restraint, simplicity, and richness.
A 15-foot-tall, steel pivot entry door opens onto a combined art gallery and living space.
Upon entry, John Eric Byer's iconic block bench in blackened maple is revealed, adorned by a mirror piece, "Seeing Glass" by Sabine Marcelis and Brit van Nerven. And beyond, large openings display astounding views of the surroundings.
The double-height, glazed living spaces allow for plentiful natural light and unobstructed views to the surrounding landscape.
The upper floor wraps the main living space below, allowing for picturesque views from both levels of the home. Coffee bean tables by Holly Hunt sit atop a silk Tai Ping rust carpet, adjacent to a custom Living Divani Sofa.
Laurier Blanc acrylic glass Hekla Side Table & Stool, embedded with burnt wood trunk, complements Taylor Forrest Club chairs beneath Amir Zaki photograph "Silver 03" from James Harris Gallery in Seattle.
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A steel fireplace lies between the dining space and open kitchen.
Concrete floors extend throughout the main floor. White walls are accented by dark window frames, steel contrasts, and natural materials.
A Wintercheck Factory light sits atop a credenza by Wüd Furniture Design.
Open-shelving credenzas were custom-designed to align with the window mullions. This sits under a Tom Burrows, Derambila piece from Foster/White Gallery in Seattle.
The Olson Kundig-designed kitchen features green soapstone countertops and oak veneer cabinets, with custom Olson Kundig hardware.
The soapstone counters and back splash resonate with the natural setting, drawing in hues and colors from the surrounding landscape.
Above, a loft area is open to the main living space below. A bedroom on each level is separated from the main social spaces.
The open loft space above is filled with simple furnishings, colorful artwork, and rich textiles.
Full-height case work includes a built-in desk, which can be concealed behind pocket hinge doors when not in use.
Rich colors, textiles, and playful artwork by Ben Chickadel from Gallery IMA in Seattle decorate the simple architectural palette.
The bath areas continue the natural, simple material palette. A large soaking tub sits atop pebble tile.
The master bedroom features a custom leather-and steel bed, a collaboration by Geremia and fabricator Tod Von Mertens, and a rolled-steel and Thassos marble fireplace.
A vintage Mario Bellini club chair sits next to the hearth of the fireplace.
The Writer’s Cabin, a 500-square-foot, glass guest cottage on the property, is surrounded by three wooden decks that can be raised through a system of hydraulic winches, wire rope, pivoting sheaves, and lead blocks, to serve as shutters, or opened to create a deck connected to the landscape.
With floor-to-ceiling windows and custom shutter-deck enclosure, the 500-square-foot cabin feels totally connected to the natural landscape.
The cozy sitting area is an ideal writer's retreat. Full-height glazing provides unobstructed views to the outdoors. A rotatable fireplace allows the warmth to be enjoyed from either the inside or outside.
Project Credits:
Architect of Record: Olson Kundig / @olsonkundig
Interior Design: Geremia Design / @geremia_design
Styling: Brian Paquette
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