NOMAD HOUSE
Perched atop a craggy mountain in the Pacific Northwest, Nomad is a home that feels as untamed as the land it inhabits. Designed to reflect its owner’s nomadic spirit and lifelong connection to nature, the house is both a retreat and a gathering place.
-
The Journey to the Summit
The approach to Nomad is part of its magic. A winding road ascends through rocky terrain, each turn unveiling more of the awe-inspiring landscape. This sense of adventure, discovery, and arrival was a key element in the design that inspired the owner.
Site Design
Nomad's site is characterized by high exposure, rocky terrain, and extreme weather conditions. The hill's peak had been flattened prior to the owner's purchase, leaving a surface of solid rock and rubble. To adapt, the foundation is designed to be cast as a large mat slab directly over the rock, avoiding further difficult excavation and minimizing costs.
Building Design
Inspired by the owner’s childhood hikes up a lookout tower, Nomad was designed to captured this sense of adventure. The house also reflects the owners' minimalist, nomadic lifestyle. A traveler who carries few possessions.
Conceptually, Nomad resembles a tent or a fire lookout, emphasizing simplicity and economy. The structure features steel and wood post-and-beam frames organized on a straightforward 10’ x 10’ grid, which is repeated across all three levels. These frames support the “canvas” of Structural Insulated Panels (SIP) used for the roof and walls. Embracing its environment rather than resisting it, the home employs materials that age gracefully.
Nomad is designed to thrive in its rugged environment. High exposure, rocky terrain, and extreme weather are embraced rather than subdued. Inside and outside, a firepit serves as the social heart of the home, embodying the owner’s love for flame-lit conversations.
At its heart is a southwest-facing gathering area with an exposed wood-beamed ceiling, expansive windows, and a simple steel fireplace. In the evenings, the space comes alive as dusk settles over the landscape, framing the flicker of flames against the mountain views.
PROJECT INFO
Location | Washington
Project Architect | Aaron Trampush
Architect of Record | Analog Architecture and Design
Visualization | Briony Walker Architectural Visualization