Plan North Engineers provided structural engineering services for this custom residence situated on a heavily wooded, sloped, two-acre site above Bellingham Bay, Washington. The main level maximizes coastal views with the garage and basement embedded into the hillside of the sandstone-rich Chuckanut Formation. The project’s primary goal was to create a structure that integrates seamlessly with its natural surroundings while supporting an architecturally ambitious design. The site’s steep topography and unique geology introduced complex structural challenges, requiring careful coordination of the foundation systems, retaining walls, and a custom rockery wall. Plan North delivered comprehensive structural analysis and design, addressing custom framing layouts, cantilevered decks, non-parallel ridgelines, and extensive glazing systems, all while maintaining structural performance within an irregular and sloped geometry.

Working alongside PBW Architects, Plan North Engineers collaborated closely with the project team to execute a highly customized structural solution that supports both architectural intent and site constraints. The design required advanced lateral analysis to accommodate clerestory windows, expansive glazing, and offset structural elements, including custom drag strapping and concealed connection designs such as knife plates at exposed framing conditions. Unique features, including window configurations, angled ridgelines, and an integrated elevator, demanded precise coordination and innovative problem-solving. Plan North’s expertise in complex residential structures and site-responsive design enabled the team to deliver a solution that balances constructability with architectural expression. The result is a residence that demonstrates how responsive structural engineering can elevate design, preserve views, and support long-term performance in a sensitive natural setting.

Images by PBW.