North Bank Road

North Bank is a residential project on a 17-acre riverfront site in the Methow Valley. We are designing a scheme, sensitive to its surroundings, that offers the opportunity for privacy and retreat, as well as a connection with the larger community and natural environment. The aim is to preserve the rural character and allow residents to engage with it. 

The project takes inspiration from the rural landscape, which becomes the dominating influence. The buildings blend with their environment rather than sitting within it. Building forms borrow from existing understated rural constructions with simple pragmatic techniques to withstand the severe environmental conditions. The materials used complement the natural tones. Over time, they will soften and age well. 

The project includes secluded forest living homes and a town-facing element that will accommodate rental homes and a commercial space which will become part of the wider community. 

The site is predominantly forested with coniferous trees and understory growth associated with riparian areas. However, years of unmanaged growth had allowed trees and shrubs to grow denser than during pre-settlement conditions. This also limited the diversity of native species growth as very little sunlight reached the ground. 

A development pattern and forest management plan were established hand in hand to implement careful thinning, allowing the reintegration of native plant species and providing the necessary contrast and diversity for a healthy ecology. Within the thinned areas, utility infrastructure has been placed to enable the development of residential and commercial lots. The remaining land will function as preserved communal open space.