Bunny Lane by Heliotrope Architects

_project: Bunny Lane
_architecture: Heliotrope Architects
_location: Orcas Island, Washington, USA

The idea of vernacular architecture is often associated with tradition and continuity, yet its relevance today lies in its capacity to adapt. In island contexts, architectural forms are shaped by climate, local resources, and long-standing patterns of inhabitation, resulting in buildings that feel inherently connected to their surroundings. Rather than replicating these forms, contemporary practice increasingly looks at vernacular architecture as a point of departure, an opportunity to reinterpret familiar typologies through new spatial, material, and programmatic approaches. In doing so, architecture can maintain a sense of belonging while responding to current ways of living.

The Bunny Lane Residence by Heliotrope Architects explores this approach through a careful reinterpretation of the “island vernacular.” Designed as a retreat for clients who have been visiting the island for over 40 years, the house aims to sit naturally within its context, both in appearance and atmosphere. Instead of introducing a contrasting contemporary form, the project draws on the recognizable language of local farm structures, specifically the typology of a “barn with a lean-to,” to establish a sense of familiarity.

The house is organized as a composition of two interconnected volumes. A shed-form structure accommodates the main living and entertaining areas, arranged in an open-plan layout that supports flexible and shared use. Alongside it, a gable-roof volume contains the more private functions, including bedrooms, bathrooms, and utility spaces. This division allows for a clear spatial hierarchy while maintaining a cohesive architectural expression.

Outdoor spaces are central to the project’s design. Decks extend from both sides of the house, creating opportunities for outdoor use under varying wind conditions and reinforcing the connection between interior and exterior living. The stepped configuration of the building also ensures that each upper-level bedroom has access to views of the water, layering the relationship between the house and its landscape.

By working within a familiar formal language while introducing contemporary spatial qualities, the project establishes a balance between continuity and change. It shows how references to vernacular architecture can inform a design that feels grounded in its context without limiting its ability to address present-day needs.

_article written by Daniela Moreira da Silva
_film by Juan Benavides
_photos by Sean Airhart
_film curatorship by Architecture Hunter