Willow Alaska 64°F / 32°C
An architectural render of the outside front facades of living quarters, and the sculpted natural slope grade of the surrounding ridge.
The envisioned spaces ask to be and appear permanent, cave like in their poetry. Imagining the summer wildlife, heavy snowfall, polar days and nights of this hidden corner of the world, we are confronted with many harsh effects. However, there is a beauty in respond to these realities. Adopting a frontier mentality much like those who occupied the land over time. Roger Bores of HW Studio Arquitectos sees the project as a harmonious sanctuary within the earth elements. The spaces subtly emerging from the bluff they sit on, and frame the view where the distant horizon meets the earth below.
An architectural render front facade of the work studio and guest quarters, each equipped with wood stoves to encourage resource gathering and use of primitive secondary heat source.
Semi-subterranean layout of the five unique structures placed on the 4.11 acres of secluded private property.
Initial sketch of the subtle emergence of the volumes from the manicured slope of the bluff.
Challenged to design unique spaces just under a total 200 sqm, that remain versatile, welcoming, yet never disconnected from the effects of exposed nature. Each space is mindful of the physical and mental psychologically of safe enclosure, with singular functioning areas to initiate pure focus. A devotion to the balance of exposure and enclosure achieved by a constant view of the exterior southwest landscape, each interior surface of each space is wrapped in native region wood paneling thats hue resembles and interacts with warm fire light.
Kitchen and Dining 519 sqft 48.22 sqm
A combined kitchen and dining room, inspired by the Irori of traditional Japanese homes, a central stone fire place and surrounding seating detours from lounging and focuses attention on communing.
Bathroom 405.375 sqft 37.66 sqm
The bathroom resembles moments of sauna and bathhouse ritual situated in the central volume of the main house. In balance with the extreme environment providing immersed comfort of as a proven source of rest enhancement.
Bedroom 405.375 sqft 37.66 sqm
A spacious bedroom to available to guests and residency program awardees, providing privacy and special sleeping quarters while visiting or working from Alaska.
Kitchen and dinning exterior facing view
Bathroom and soaking tub exterior view
Interior of the coveted work space, as well the view of the exterior facing double storied window and wood stove.
Separated from the main house, the working art studio is the primary piece of our foundation. Designed to host all artwork mediums and researchers. Intended to separate artists from their familiarities in the most potent form during the winter season, allowing for a new contemplative routines to take precedent. Being separate from the main house, artists must tend to the path and space, providing an understanding of healthy inconvenience and the rewards of a comfortable level of human effort from a subsistence experience. The space features adjustable light fixtures, designated storage area, wall hanging space, collapsable desk, and deep sink washroom. Some special amenities will be provided with specific accommodations dependent on artists requests. All the materials used in construction look to be locally sourced and produced, with some elements being lifted from the excavation itself. Pure connections to the physicality of region are important to the visitation experience. Surrounding guests and artists with designed naturality aims toward the thousands of years of human evolution by returning to contemporary forms of past enviornments.
Reference of mono material Alaskan Yellow Cedar enveloping spaces in radiant warm single tonality.
Coarse Alaska river shale and excavated gravel will be used in an exterior decorative gabion basket facade. Allowing moss, and other vegetation to grow into viable areas between the stones seamlessly integrating with the surrounding soil.
Reference of Parcta’s Egress handmade tapered candle holder.
Private tours within a flexible time frame can be arranged for larger groups or corporate events beginning in January 2026. Please contact arrangements@soonfoundation.com to request to schedule visitation. For media kit and press inquiry please contact info@art-alaska.com