Design a Forest House: A Guide for the Large Wooded Lot in the PNW
Building a home in a Pacific Northwest forest is magical. Sunlight filters through towering firs and cedars, moss carpets the forest floor, and the air carries an earthy scent. Designing a house in the woods is not just about capturing the view, it is about creating a home that has a low maintenance exterior with sunlight and natural finishes on the interior.
At Studio Kamppari, we approach forest homes with a balance of Nordic inspiration, durable materials, and thoughtful site planning. This guide explores key considerations for designing a forest house on a large wooded lot in Kitsap County, from layout and solar access to material choices and the Finnish pihapiiri courtyard tradition.
Courtyards in the Forest: The Finnish Pihapiiri
The Finnish pihapiiri is a centuries-old approach to home design: a cluster of buildings arranged around a central courtyard. Historically, this layout created a protected outdoor space, sheltered from wind and snow, while fostering connection between family, nature, and workspaces.
In the PNW, the same concept can apply to your forest home. A central courtyard can become a sun-dappled clearing for gathering, a transition space between indoor and outdoor life, and a dedicated garden area that you can cultivate without impacting the native surroundings. The added benefit of a courtyard house is that your sanctuary garden is fully protected from deer.
Our Forest House project is a great example of a Pihapiiri.
Cabins in the Forest: The Finnish Mökki
The Finnish mökki is a simple cabin set on a secluded forest plot—a timeless source of inspiration for a forest home. These cabins are modest, made primarily of wood, and designed to sit lightly on the land. Traditionally, a mökki is not just a single building: it often forms a small compound with a main cabin, guest cabin, sauna, and storage shed.
In the PNW, the same principle can guide your forest home. Your main house, an ADU, garage, or workshop can be arranged as a small compound, creating separate spaces while maintaining a sense of intimacy with the surrounding forest.
Our Saimaa Cabin project is a modern mökki, demonstrating how a house can lightly sit on thd land and be connected to the landscape.
Choosing the Right Lot: Size and Layout
A forest home needs more than just a building footprint, it requires room for trees, clearings, driveways, septic systems, and sunlight. In Kitsap County, wooded lots of five acres or more are common and ideal for a forest house. Even a smaller lot, around 2.5 acres, can work if you are strategic about siting your home and placing windows to capture light.
When evaluating a lot:
Tree density and species: Evergreens like fir, cedar, and spruce each have distinct canopy patterns that affect sunlight; cedars, in particular, cast dense shade. Deciduous trees such as maples add seasonal interest, while fast-growing alders can provide quick cover but are prone to falling.
Slope and drainage: Gentle clearings simplify building, excavation, and tree preservation. Be mindful of wet areas, which may indicate wetlands or streams that limit buildable zones.
Access and utilities: Even the most secluded forest home needs driveways, roads, and utility connections. Planning access early helps minimize site disturbance and preserves the forest’s character.
Sunlight and Solar Access in a Wooded Lot
One of the biggest challenges of a forest lot is sunlight. Tall trees provide welcome shade in the summer, but in the PNW, they can contribute to damp, cool conditions for much of the year. Thoughtful siting is key to capturing natural light and passive solar gain.
Strategies we often use include:
Orient living spaces toward clearings with southern exposure. Maximizing sunlight in main rooms helps warm the home naturally and highlights forest views.
Use courtyards and openings to bring light into shaded areas. Even small clearings can make interior spaces feel bright and inviting.
Balance privacy with light. Preserve clusters of trees for seclusion, but thin selectively to allow sunlight and maintain long-term forest health.
Careful sun mapping and observation across seasons ensures that your forest home feels warm, bright, and fully connected to its surroundings.
Durable Materials That Blend With the Forest
A forest home must withstand rain, wind, and occasional snowfall. Materials should be beautiful and low-maintenance, capable of aging gracefully while requiring minimal upkeep.
At Studio Kamppari, our palette often includes:
Thermally modified wood siding – offers natural warmth, long-lasting durability, and a subtle patina over time.
Metal siding and standing seam roofing – durable and low-maintenance. Proper roof slope is essential to prevent leaves and pine needles from accumulating in gutters and drains.
High-performance windows – provide insulation and solar control without compromising forest views.
Terracotta tiles and channeled glass – a combination that delivers diffuse light and a virtually maintenance-free exterior.
Fire safety can be a concern on forested lots. Maintain defensible space and consider fire-resistant materials.
For interiors, we often extend the exterior materials inside, using slightly refined textures paired with bright white walls to reflect light. Wood details, such as screens or paneling, add warmth and a tactile connection to the forest outside.
These choices help a forest home feel fully integrated with its surroundings while standing up to the PNW climate for decades.
A Forest House is Rooted in Tradition
Inspired by Finnish pihapiiri and mökki structures, a forest house in the PNW is about more than shelter, it is about connection to nature, light, and warmth.
Forest House Must Haves:
Large lot with mature trees
Thoughtful siting for solar access
Durable materials
Careful attention to clearings for access road and utilities
Do you want to design a Forest House?
Whether you're just getting started or actively searching for land, we're here to help you, just send us a note to set up an introductory call.