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A Modern Home Perched Above the Alaskan Shore

Designed for a client who lives between Seattle and Ketchikan, Alaska, Prentiss + Balance + Wickline created Tongass Ledge perched atop a rocky cliff overlooking a channel of water known as Tongass Narrows. The home comprises two angled volumes designed to look out over the Alaskan shore.

exterior evening view of modern house atop stacked rocks above water

exterior view of modern house atop stacked rocks above water

Two framed glass extensions jut out from the structures allowing 180-degree views of surrounding scenery. Between the two structures, a connecting space houses an entryway and an outdoor deck, along with a pathway that joins the public with the private areas.

exterior side view of modern house atop stacked rocks above water

The architects were limited as to what they could do on the property due to massive changes that had previously taken place. An existing concrete retaining wall and driveway reduced the area in which the house could be built.

exterior side view of modern house atop stacked rocks above water

The exterior is clad in concrete, black metal, and wood siding that continues to the interior, creating more of an industrial modern aesthetic.

exterior side view of modern house atop stacked rocks above water

closeup exterior view of modern house with black and concrete exterior

interior view of modern living space with dining room and living room overlooking the water

Black framed, floor-to-ceiling windows keep sight lines open to the water views, almost making it feel as if the house if floating on water.

interior view of modern living space with dining room and living room overlooking the water

The architects worked with Emily Knudsen on the interior design, which is an eclectic mix of modern, from the rawness of the concrete floors to the softer side with various textiles.

interior view of seating alcove in modern house

interior view of modern living room overlooking the water

interior view of modern living room overlooking the water

interior view of modern pink kitchen

To juxtapose the long, cold Alaskan winters, there’s the happy and unexpectedly delightful kitchen with pink cabinets, brass fixtures, and 1×1″ square white tiles.

interior view of modern pink kitchen

interior view of modern pink kitchen

view down hallway of modern home

angled view of modern bathroom with pink sink

interior view of modern bedroom with windows that look out to water

Photography by Andrew Pogue Photography.

Caroline Williamson is Editor-in-Chief of Design Milk. She has a BFA in photography from SCAD and can usually be found searching for vintage wares, doing New York Times crossword puzzles in pen, or reworking playlists on Spotify.