Structurally Speaking

A family's mountain retreat comes together as an eloquent sum of its parts

Amateur astronomer David and his wife, Margaret, chose a site in Washington's Methow Valley for their family's retreat primarily because the darkness would allow him a great view of the skies.Working with the natural beauty of the spot, Johnston Architects of Seattle created a long, low, sleek yet rugged cabin that doesn't intrude on the landscape. The house is designed to bring attention to its own construction, with exposed beams and bolts, a ledge-stone fireplace, an open plan crossed by a catwalk, and simple but warm furnishings.