Jefferson Knoll Residence

Port Hadlock-Irondale, Washington

Architect: Method Homes
Modular Construction:
Method Homes


Plan North Engineers provided comprehensive structural design for this custom modular residence nestled in the evergreen forests of Jefferson County's Quimper Peninsula. Working in close partnership with Method Homes, the design team created solutions for a sloped site with dramatic Puget Sound views while addressing the logistical and economic constraints of this rural community. High site development costs and limited local workforce made maximizing factory-built components essential—the resulting design utilized five prefabricated modules with minimal site-built elements including roof, garage, and partial decking. Unique structural challenges included integrating a portion of the upper level deck into the ceiling lid of the module below, coordinating offset bearing lines requiring transfer beams in both floor levels, and accommodating height restrictions while keeping the majority of construction within the controlled factory environment. The project included wood and steel gravity systems and wood lateral design for seismic requirements.

Our engineering team collaborated directly with Method Homes' factory throughout the design and fabrication process to ensure architectural design intent could be achieved within modular construction parameters. This partnership required innovative problem-solving including bolstered ceiling framing on the lower level, enhanced floor framing systems on the upper level, and post-installation modifications to accommodate stair placement. The close collaboration demonstrates how strategic structural engineering partnerships can make modular construction viable for challenging sites while maintaining exceptional design quality and cost effectiveness. Plan North's direct factory coordination ensured seamless integration of architectural vision with manufacturing realities, creating a scalable model for rural residential development that addresses construction logistics, workforce limitations, and site cost challenges in remote communities.

Renderings & Photos by Method Homes.

mod set puget sound method homes