place: snohomish county, WA
program: mechanic’s shop and associated ADU residence.

Nestled within a serene rural landscape in Snohomish County, Washington, the Snohomish Shop project embodies the essence of rural living while harmonizing with the surrounding environment. The program integrates an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) with a highly functional space for the client’s personal auto workshop, creating a haven where functional versatility meets refined simplicity.

For budget and ease of assembly reasons, a simple yet robust post frame framing system was utilized as the basis of structural design early on in the project. This system resonates with the rural setting, reflecting the straightforward barn-style structures that sprinkle the surrounding context. The design strategies that infill the post-frame system seek to utilize elevated architectural detailing and a sensitivity of materials to pay homage to the vernacular structure while embracing contemporary sensibilities. 

The large, unobstructed spans encourages flexible uses and celebrates openness, reflective of the expansive landscape it inhabits. The building itself is situated on the site to maximize north-facing clerestory windows for even diffused work-lighting in the shop, with the living areas oriented to provide privacy from the shop and to focus on views (and sunsets!) over the surrounding rolling hills. 

The Snohomish Shop represents a nuanced interpretation of rural modernity. It challenges the integration of practicality with aesthetics, and tradition with re-interpretation. This duality is also seen through our client’s work and life balance, where the embrace of nature and the comfort of well-crafted spaces work together.