Sea Stack

SEA STACK
Neskowin, Oregon

An elevated perch with protected outdoor spaces to serve as a harbor for living in the beautiful, but sometimes
harsh, northwest coastal setting.

The History
After completing the family’s Wave House more than 27 years prior, an architect and educator decided it was
time to expand and give themselves the ability to host larger gatherings with updated amenities. A minimal
program consisting of a single bedroom, small office, and compact living area would be sufficient for the empty
nesters. Since an addition to the fanciful design of the Wave House would alter its enchanting presence, the idea
of adding a freestanding structure on an adjoining meadow emerged as the appropriate solution. The meadow
location would also be the least disruptive to the sloped knoll site dominated by over a dozen old-growth sitka
spruce trees.

The Design Theme
Sea Stack’s name recalls the rock formations common along the Oregon Coast. It also serves as a thematic
connection to the adjacent Wave House, as the relentless crashing of ocean waves carves sea stacks’ distinctive
shapes.

The Design Solution
The design challenge was to capture views of the iconic Proposal Rock and miles of expansive coastline without
altering the nature of the sensitive site. Respecting the context of the original Wave House needed to be
considered. It was also an opportunity to reroute the existing driveway and create engaging outdoor spaces
between the two structures.

Instead of mimicking the design of the Wave House, a contrasting design was chosen for the new structure that
was representative of a new generation. The simple lines and dark charcoal shou sugi ban siding provide an
understated presence in the natural setting and contrast with the shingled, curved-wall exterior of the Wave
House. A consistent massing of the houses provides balance; however, while the levels of Sea Stack stack
horizontally, the Wave House’s form splits into two vertical blocks. Additionally, the small footprint of Sea Stack is
the result of the cantilevered upper floor level. The expansive covered porch below includes a pair of crossed ‘leg’
columns which ‘pose’ in front of the Wave House.

A wide, bluestone stairway and a cherry tree with a dynamic horizontal canopy fills one side of the courtyard, with
a striking Lee Kelly steel sculpture (“Pericles II”) highlighting the other. A cascading stair element connects the
courtyard to the rerouted driveway while a new upper stair meanders through a steel portal to an elevated
flagstone plaza. Under a canopy of ancient Sitka spruce trees, a recycled steel cone firepit provides a warm
gathering spot.

The living space of this one bedroom accessory dwelling is positioned on the upper level. Angled away from the
Wave House, the new home’s distinctive alcove – consisting of an 11’ high deep-set window and a covered deck
– recalls aspects of a vintage “View-Master” toy.

The Interior
In contrast to the exterior, the interior surfaces are dominated with light spruce wood, as if burrowed inside a
spruce tree. A narrow-banded spruce board ceiling runs throughout both levels, while the interior side of the
exterior walls consist of wider tongue-and-groove panels. Generous amounts of spruce millwork and open shelving                                                                            further promote the contemporary cabin vibe. Steel and tile elements offer material accents. All window
openings extend from floor to ceiling to effectively frame an array of exterior views.

From a compressed entry hall you pass along the steel guardrail folds of a stair with open wood-plank treads.
Large upper windows in the stair hall provide views of the large spruce trees while capturing sunlight which filters
through the open stair risers throughout the day. Storm Tharp’s “Castlebuilding II” energizes the top of the stair.

A postcard view of the coastline and Proposal Rock greets you as you enter the upper living level. A steel
fireplace enclosure, featuring a Rick Bartow fish sculpture, anchors the open space, while large surfaces of
textured Heath tile offer colorful accents, each a representative nod to local natural features:
•fireplace’s brown matches the porous headland rocks;
•kitchen’s blue-green recalls the sea anemones found in Neskowin’s tide pools;
•powder room’s speckled light blue evokes foamy seawater; and,
•dining nook’s Campari red is an ode to the annual 4th of July fireworks celebration on the beach below.

A smaller enclosed deck to the south provides a forest view counterpoint to the large northern deck. A small
service pantry includes a steel lined opening into the stair hall as a visual connection to the front door and the
Wave House.

Ultimately, Sea Stack succeeds in creating a carefully crafted place for living inspired by its memorable natural
setting.

PROJECT INFORMATION
Construction completed: August 2025
Project size: 1942 sf
Project budget: Withheld

PROJECT TEAM
Architect: CBTwo Architects
Contractor: Cellar Ridge Construction
Landscape Architect: Ground Workshop
Structural Engineer: Vista Structural Engineering