Wondering what materials would look best on your home? Check out our thought process for designing with the natural environment and choosing materials that reflect the surroundings.
Eastern Washington is a landscape of bold contrasts—sun-drenched hills, deep lakes, basalt cliffs, and wide open skies. In places like Chelan, where the arid terrain meets agriculture, recreation, and small-town charm, the architecture that feels most grounded is the kind that takes its cues from the land.
As architects, we have a choice: to impose something foreign on the landscape, or to design something that resonates with it. Using materials that match and reflect the local environment isn’t just an aesthetic move—it’s a way to root a home in its place, connect with the climate, and create a timeless sense of belonging.
Here’s how we think about material choices in towns like Chelan and the broader Eastern Washington region.
The first step in material selection isn’t flipping through samples—it’s walking the site.
We look at:
From that, we build a palette: muted earth tones, rusts and golds, weathered grays, and warm woods. The result? A home that blends, not competes—with a presence that feels honest and appropriate to its setting.
Eastern Washington gets hot, dry summers and cold, sometimes snowy winters. Materials here need to handle sun exposure, wind, dust, and freeze-thaw cycles.
Some of our go-to materials:
There’s a temptation in rural or lakefront design to lean into a “rustic” look—heavy logs, faux timber trusses, or overly themed mountain styling. But modern materials and clean lines can actually feel more grounded and authentic in this region.
We aim for warm minimalism—simple forms, honest materials, and subtle detailing. Think vertical cedar siding with a matte clear coat, slim steel posts, or deep eaves with exposed beams. It’s about restraint and balance, not nostalgia.
Materials that flow from outside to inside make a home feel deeply tied to its site.
In Chelan, where outdoor living is a huge part of the lifestyle, these transitions matter. They also help homes feel calm and cohesive—rooted in both design and place.
Whenever possible, we look for:
Designing for Chelan means designing for long-term durability and low impact—both environmental and visual.
In Eastern Washington, the most compelling homes aren’t the ones that shout—they’re the ones that listen. They draw from the land, the light, and the history of the place. They use materials that feel natural, age gracefully, and connect the architecture to its surroundings.
If you're building or renovating in Chelan—or anywhere in the dry-side towns of Washington—we'd love to help you create something timeless, rooted, and real. Get in touch to start the conversation.
