wittman estes builds a home with integrated creative studios

French Creek Workshop House: Living in Washington Wetlands

Washington-based architecture studio Wittman Estes has completed the French Creek Workshop House in the expansive, wooded landscape of Snohomish. Set on a four-and-a-half-acre site adjacent to a former animal sanctuary wetland, the home was envisioned as a year-round retreat for a recently retired couple. The design carefully balances the need for protection during Washington’s lengthy wet season with openness and connection to the outdoors in the warmer months.

This single-story residence is thoughtfully organized to support aging in place and accommodate multiple generations. Its layout gently follows the natural slope of the land through discreet terracing. Spacious doorways, flush thresholds, and sandblasted concrete flooring promote easy movement throughout the 2,471-square-foot home. The building’s low profile allows it to blend into the landscape, minimizing its impact on the natural surroundings.

images © Andrew Pogue

Wittman Estes’ Interiors: A Harmony of Craft and Durability

The design team at Wittman Estes has crafted the interior of the French Creek Workshop House with a focus on both lasting quality and artisanal detail. Locally sourced fir and cedar introduce warmth and texture to spaces defined by concrete and terrazzo, while accents such as reddish-brown soffits and a striking blue kitchen wall add vibrant touches to the otherwise subdued palette. Cast-in-place concrete floors with hydronic radiant heating extend seamlessly onto exterior patios and pathways, enhancing the sense of unity between indoor and outdoor spaces.

Personal craftsmanship is evident throughout the home. The owners themselves created slatted wood screens that filter natural light in the living area and enclose the exterior loading dock. Hand-blown glass pieces, also crafted by the owners, bring artistry and individuality to the dining area shelves. ‘They wanted the home to be an expression of who they are,’ explains Matt Wittman. ‘Now, they can live and create side by side — gracefully and seamlessly.’

the house sits beside a wetland on a former animal sanctuary in Snohomish, Washington

Studios and Living Spaces Surround a Central Courtyard Pond

A defining aspect of Wittman Estes’ French Creek Workshop compound is its collection of creative studios. Dedicated spaces for woodworking, metalworking, and glass art are linked to the main house via covered walkways and landscaped gardens. These workshops are intentionally separated from the living areas to reduce noise and dust, while the areas between structures are transformed into a lush, cultivated courtyard. The main studio, measuring 1,471 square feet, is topped with a shed roof and north-facing clerestory windows, providing consistent, diffuse light ideal for detailed creative work.

The courtyard design takes inspiration from the Roman impluvium, gathering rainwater from the surrounding roofs into a central reflecting pool. During rainfall, water cascades from the roof edges into planted basins, turning each downpour into a visually engaging experience. The gardens radiate from this central point, gradually shifting from carefully landscaped areas to more natural growth, all lovingly tended by the homeowners.

a single level plan supports aging in place and multigenerational living