Gravel Creek House
Nehalem, Oregon • 2022
Gravel Creek House is a 1,000 square foot addition to a rustic cabin set on a 32-acre rural woodlot. Site conditions dictated many of the design features, such as a daylight basement to accommodate the steeply sloping terrain. Intended to be environmentally sustainable and disaster resilient, the project features a 7,000 watt solar array, 20kVA battery bank, and and off-grid electrical system with automated backup generator. The home is heated by a synergistic combination of systems: a masonry heater provides wood heat in common areas, and in-floor radiant heat warms the rest of the house. The generous south-facing windows not only provide dramatic views of the forest below, but work with the large eaves to bathe the interior in sunlight during the winter months and provide full shade in the summer. Gravel Creek house will allow aging in place, as all the necessary amenities are located on the main floor and are fully wheelchair accessible.
