The Marin
- City: Blaine, WA, USA
- Status: Complete
- Category: Residential
The Challenge
To create a timeless, high quality West Coast design on the sandy shores of the Salish Sea that will withstand the tests of the surrounding harsh ocean climate and introduce a new sensitive yet appropriate design theme for an area that hadn’t seen new development for several decades.
About this Project
The Marin, meaning ‘of the sea’, are 18 unit luxury condo buildings perched on a sandy spit overlooking Semiahmoo Bay in Washington State. Completed in 2008, we drew inspiration from coastal surroundings to create a timeless West Coast look. Powerful offshore winds and corrosive saltwater challenged us to create a design that could withstand the elements over time. Our solution: time tested natural materials, sustainable design, and biomimicry.
Olive stained Western red cedar cladding wraps the building in a blanket of natural green. Galvanized ‘butterfly’ chimney caps pay tribute to migratory birds. Custom drunken picket guardrails mimic scattered driftwood on the shoreline. We brought the West coast inspiration inward with lofts, high ceilings and fireplaces throughout every home. Heavy Douglas fir beams and exposed fasteners provide rustic industrial appeal. Finally, a natural ventilation system encourages cross ventilation by drawing the ocean breeze directly into suites, while an exterior corridor system maximizes interior natural light. The Marin stands proud at the shores of the Pacific oceanfront. With a bold design and extensive use of natural materials, it is poised to endure the tests of time and the harsh ocean climate. To create a timeless, high quality West Coast design on the sandy shores of the Salish Sea that will withstand the tests of the surrounding harsh ocean climate and introduce a new sensitive yet appropriate design theme for an area that hadn’t seen new development for several decades.