The Berm House is a private residence that doubles as the common house and gathering space for a larger 19 house mixed-income community in Washington’s Methow Valley. The house is set into the landscape, with a panoramic view of the farmland down valley, but hidden from the northern residential area by a berm that ramps up onto and across the roof. 

The south-facing building orientation optimizes winter passive heating, and the large overhang protects from snowfall and intense summer sun. The home is post and beam structure with a cross-laminated timber (CLT) roof prefabricated in northeastern Washington. The design incorporates Passive House principles including superinsulation, advanced air sealing, and mechanical ventilation. Thermal bridges are minimized by wrapping the house in continuous external insulation, including structural EPS under the foundation, isolating the home from outdoor temperature swings. The live roof adds thermal mass and protection from weather and fire.

A great room was designed for friends and neighbors to gather regularly. Off the great room, a five-foot wide hall leads to three guest suites and the primary suite. The uncomplicated and efficient floor plan shows a clear division between the private and public spaces.

Varying sunlight exposures, seasonal warmth, and views are maximized along the entire south-facing wall of the heavily occupied great room and suites. The south facade is outfitted with floor-to-ceiling energy-efficient windows that intend to allow the winter sun in fully, yet be efficient enough to protect the interior environment from indirect summer heat.

Unique openings and strip lighting accentuate the wood beams. The CLT ceiling, wood panels, deep grey slate floors and black horizontal fixtures unify the space. Dark hickory on the floor in hall and suites add continuity. A coffee table and the kitchen bar were crafted from a fir tree felled off the property. Landscape boulders were sourced from a quarry on the property as well. The homeowners’ quarry informed the rocky landscaping theme.