Set in the remote, harsh high desert of Idaho, Outpost is an artist?s live/work studio and sculpture garden. The building?s compactness restricts site impact and reinforces the desire to be outside. This is a windy place, and the enclosed ?paradise garden,? is separated from the wild landscape by thick masonry walls. The footprint of the house is the limit of intrusion into the land?a simple, clearly defined space. This structure exemplifies Kundig?s belief that the architect?s job is to create an experience of place.

© Tim Bies

Architects: Olson Kundig

Location: Bellevue, United States

Lead Architect: Tom Kundig

Area: 3686.0 ft2

Project Year: 2008

Photographs: Stuart Isett, Jean-Luc Laloux, Jan Cox, Tim Bies
Contractor: Upham Construction

Structural Engineering Consultants: MCE Structural Consultants, Inc.

Metal Design/Fabrication Consultants: McNay Metals and Design

© Jean-Luc Laloux

From the architect. Set in the remote, harsh high desert of Idaho, Outpost is an artist?s live/work studio and sculpture garden. The building?s compactness restricts site impact and reinforces the desire to be outside. This is a windy place, and the enclosed ?paradise garden,? is separated from the wild landscape by thick masonry walls. The footprint of the house is the limit of intrusion into the land?a simple, clearly defined space. This structure exemplifies Kundig?s belief t...