TEDDY BEAR COVE

Location:  Bellingham, Washington
Type:  On The Boards

Nestled just south of Bellingham city limits, the Teddy Bear Cove Residence enjoys an idyllic setting between the Chuckanut Mountains to the East and Chuckanut Bay to the West. This prime location offers sweeping views of both ocean and forest, coupled with convenient proximity to hiking trails and serene canoe outings.

The house is accessed just east of the scenic Chuckanut Dr. Two bridges, for foot traffic and cars, connect the driveway to the home perched on the hillside. The primary entry of the home is on the second level, where the residence can welcome guests into an open floor plan connecting the living room, dining room, and kitchen. The open room becomes even more expansive featuring double-height windows and a fireplace surround stretching to the third-story ceiling, drawing the gaze upwards and outwards to the panoramic views of the bay and the San Juan Islands beyond. More intimate spaces: bedrooms, offices, and a home gym, are located on the first story. Climbing custom open stairs to the third level is a generous primary suite with floor-to-ceiling windows to the west, a walk-in closet, and a tub that looks out over the ocean. The third floor also has access to the roof deck where guests can gather around a fire pit on summer nights.

A compact design was dually needed to accommodate the challenging site and to create an efficient floor plan, both in resident use and energy performance. Durability and energy efficiency are important factors to the client and design team. The Teddy Bear Cove residence features enhanced building assemblies, high-performing windows, an HRV, an electric heat-pump air handler, and an electric heat pump water heater. Outside, the house balances a smooth grey plaster, warm cedar board, and a dark, durable richlite panel siding. 

Images:  Graham Baba Architects