![Roundy Residence / Miller Hull Partnership - Windows, Facade, Stairs](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5015/258c/28ba/0d02/f000/0445/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1414000660)
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Architects: Miller Hull Partnership
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Photographs: Benjamin Benschneider
Text description provided by the architects. Located in the San Juan Islands of Washington State, the 10 acre site contrasts between gently rolling fields that abruptly terminate in a 100-foot-high bluff that drops to the water’s edge below. The juxtaposition between these two conditions led to the architectural concept.
![Roundy Residence / Miller Hull Partnership - Windows, Facade](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5015/25a9/28ba/0d02/f000/044a/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1414000665)
High westerly winds from the water blow against the bluff concentrating forces at the top. The house mediates this force by creating a wind break. Stretching along the bluff are the living areas, the entry porch and the garage. This north/south oriented wing is highly glazed to take advantage of the long range views over the bluff to the islands.
![Roundy Residence / Miller Hull Partnership - Chair](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5015/25a3/28ba/0d02/f000/0449/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1414000667)
In contrast, the private functions of the house, the bedrooms and guest rooms stretch east/west opening to protected garden areas and a terrace created on the leeward side. Doors open onto a south facing continuous porch with glazed roof. This area has been designed to take advantage of passive solar heating in the winter while providing shading during the summer months.
![Roundy Residence / Miller Hull Partnership - Image 7 of 17](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5015/2586/28ba/0d02/f000/0444/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1414000671)
At the juncture of the house is a two-story tower element which contains an art studio and office space. A solar hot water array on the roof provides domestic hot water and augments the hot water hydronic floor heating.
![Roundy Residence / Miller Hull Partnership - Table, Chair, Windows, Countertop, Facade, Handrail, Beam](https://images.adsttc.com/media/images/5015/2596/28ba/0d02/f000/0447/newsletter/stringio.jpg?1414000674)