A Pacific Northwest Wooden House Redefines Sustainable Architecture
A striking wooden house has been completed along the Pacific Northwest coast, blending effortlessly into its forested surroundings. Designed by Slovenian architect Aljoša Dekleva, the 3,500-square-foot home sits nestled into a hillside, offering sweeping ocean views while maintaining a deep connection to nature.
The single-storey sanctuary is constructed entirely from wood, using Douglas fir beams for its structural framework. This choice gives the house a negative carbon footprint, aligning with the owner’s values of sustainability and harmony. The exterior is clad in cedar planks, mirroring the rough texture of nearby tree trunks and allowing the building to fade into the landscape.
Inside, the design remains clean and understated. Exposed wooden beams, floor-to-ceiling windows, and birch plywood panels—treated with a subtle two-tone stain—create a warm, minimalist atmosphere. The modular layout ensures a layered spatial dynamic, providing privacy for both the owner and guests. The façade shifts in tone and texture as sunlight filters through the trees, creating an ever-changing interplay between architecture and nature. Dekleva, co-founder of Ljubljana-based firm Dekleva Gregorič Architects, is known for his research-driven, context-sensitive designs. Here, his focus on geometric forms and order is balanced by the organic flow of the woodland setting.
The house stands as a quiet yet bold statement in sustainable living. Its seamless integration with the landscape, combined with thoughtful design, ensures a peaceful retreat that respects both the environment and the owner’s vision. The project further establishes Dekleva’s reputation for blending modern architecture with natural beauty.