Stunning Vacation House With A Catwalk And Ocean Views

When designing a holiday home, the focus is almost always on the views. Each time, architects and designers find new ways to take advantage of the location and to emphasize the wonderful views. In the case of the 360 House the strategy was simple.

Architects: Boora Architects Contractor: Green Gables Design & Restoration

This wonderful vacation home is located in the Pacific Coast Scenic Byway and was a project by Bora Architects, a studio based in Portland, Oregon. The architects are constantly focused on finding new solutions and new ways to make their projects sustainable and with a positive impact on society, believing that meaningful architecture can transform the lives of those it touches.

Finley House 12013
Finley House 12013

The 360 House was completed in 2012 and sits on an area of 3,033 square feet of space. Given the location, great importance was given to the views. The house overlooks the coast and the ocean and in order to capture these views as best as possible, it was designed with a minimal structure made of glass and steel.

Finley House 12013

The spaces were organized on two levels and the overall structure has a compact form similar to a box. The copper-clad green roof was populated with native ferns and grasses and this feature allows the house to better integrate into the surroundings, establishing a smooth dialogue with the nearby forest and surrounding vegetation.

Finley House 12013
Finley House 12013

Because of the way the house was positioned and the shape of the site, only the upper floor of the house is visible from the driveway. Only after approaching the house its full size and design are truly revealed.

Finley House 12013

The entryway features an oversized glass pivot door that creates a dramatic impression and offers a glimpse at the impressive ambiance which characterizes the house. One can reach the entrance via a catwalk designed to look like a suspended bridge over the vegetation.

Finley House 12013
Finley House 12013

Inside the house, there’s a large open space which incorporates the living room, dining area and the kitchen. it’s a space with gorgeous views in every direction. Large glass walls and windows reveal the beauty of the surroundings and capture the panoramic views of the ocean, making them a part of the interior décor.

Finley House 12013
Finley House 12013

Most of the furniture was pulled away from the walls and towards the center of the room in order to free up the sides and to get rid of any visual obstructions. Of course, the wonderful breeze of the ocean and the poetic views can also be admired from a sheltered deck which is connected to the living room through large sliding doors.

Finley House 12013

The family room and two of the bedrooms have their own direct connection to the outdoors. They open to a patio and have access to the beach, thus establishing a strong connection with the surroundings and the ocean in particular.

Finley House 12013

The kitchen is only one portion of the open floor plan. Its counter and floor are made from the same dark gray basalt. They are complemented by neutral accents and cabinetry with a nice beige tone reminiscent of the color of the sand on the beach.

Finley House 12013
Finley House 12013

The walls, ceiling and cabinetry feature white oak structures complemented by hot-rolled blackened steel accents. The rest of the house is designed with the same care for details and search for harmony. The beds, the desk and most of the cabinetry in the rest of the rooms were all custom made in order to ensure a cohesive ambiance and décor throughout.

Finley House 12013

A white oak staircase connects the two floors, being supported by a steel frame.

Finley House 12013
Finley House 12013
Finley House 12013

The house was designed to be suitable for periodic use during summer and holidays so it had to be low-maintenance but also as comfortable and inviting as possible. A ground source heat pump provides all the hot water, underfloor heating and air conditioning.

Finley House 12013
Finley House 12013

The house was also designed to be smart. It has a central system that allows the inhabitants to remotely control the lights, shades, thermostats and audio systems throughout the house.

Finley House 12013