A Unique Sleep

“Given the choice between a traditional bedroom or a tent,” says seasoned camper Tom, “we’d choose to be outside under the stars, in the fresh air.”

Taking Tom’s cue, Andre modeled the master bedroom after a tent. The gable-formed bay—tent-like in its look and feel—extends to the north from the home’s main rectangular base. Because the bedroom was physically isolated from the rest of the house, it was also able to be thermally isolated. The common wall between the bedroom and main house was insulated so that the bedroom’s windows could be opened throughout the year without affecting temperatures in other interior spaces. During the day, three walls of windows provide ample daylighting. At night, the large window above the built-in bed provides stargazing access. Exposed beams and built-in furnishings made from salvaged Douglas fir complete the connection between this indoor space and the outdoors.

The bedroom is thermally isolated, allowing the Carstens to sleep with windows open without affecting the temperature in the rest of the house.