Wenatchee Valley Residence

Perched on a sloped site above the Wenatchee Valley, this 4,500 square foot custom home was inspired by the clients’ first email subject line: “Palm Springs meets the Pacific Northwest” They envisioned a modern retreat to raise their family and an oasis from busy professional lives that balances warmth, simplicity, and expansive views.
The challenging topography shaped the design from the start. Preserving southern views of the Wenatchee River Valley while respecting neighborhood scale led to a carefully considered split-level solution. Solar orientation, wind protection, and seamless indoor-outdoor living were core drivers of the architecture.
Entry occurs at the middle level, where a dramatic white oak slat wall screens the mudroom from the foyer while allowing light and air to pass through. From there, the main stair leads upward to an open living, dining, and kitchen space framed by sweeping valley views.
The kitchen, finished in white oak cabinetry, Taj Mahal stone countertops, and handmade tile, opens to a pool deck through slide-fold doors. A pass-through window connects to an outdoor bar beneath a steel trellis, reinforcing the home’s relaxed, resort-like feel.
The upper level also includes laundry, a guest bath with changing area, and a private primary suite. A hidden doorway within a walnut slat wall conceals one of two home offices.
Below, the lower level houses three additional bedrooms, two baths, a family room, exercise room, and ample storage, with direct access to the lower yard.
The exterior blends steel, stained wood, cement board siding, finished concrete, glazed tile, and a standing seam metal roof—materials selected for durability and low maintenance. Large south-facing overhangs and steel sunshades mitigate summer heat while allowing passive winter sun.
The result is a climate-responsive, view-driven home that feels both modern and grounded—designed for gathering, growing, and everyday retreat.

CLIENT REVIEW:
Bakken Design Build made our dream home!
The design process with their principal architect was a rewarding, collaborative process. Taking our request for a style of "Palm Springs meets the Pacific Northwest", Bakken designed a beautiful home that was right-sized for our needs, sited nicely into a very sloped hillside property, and delicately reflects the natural beauty of our valley. Bakken was responsive, clear and prompt in communications, and able to adapt to occasional challenges with sub-contractors. Bakken Design Build maintained an incredible attention to detail throughout the build process, balancing form and function in a consistently practical way. Having a Design Build firm on our home project was so important to us to ensure consistency through the entire process. The end result feels like a wonderful realization of the architect's vision for practical and beautiful design. We are so thankful that Bakken designed and built our dream home.

Interiors: M. Swabb
Photography: Alessandra Brescia