Trailblazer House by Citizen Design — Modern Family Resort in Maple Valley, Washington

Trailblazer House by Citizen Design

Located on a spacious 18-acre site in Maple Valley, Washington, the Trailblazer House is a standout modern home designed by architects at Citizen Design. Completed in 2023, the house represents a contemporary family resort that combines privacy, connection, and integration with nature.

Distinguished by four separate gabled volumes, the unique form of the house is clad in Shou Sugi Ban wood siding and black profiled steel, contrasting with surrounding trees and wetlands. Light-filled corridors connect the structures and emphasize a sense of walking through the forest as you move between rooms.

A Home Designed for Lifestyle and Landscape

The Trailblazer House was designed with family life and the personal style of the owners in mind. Each volume has been carefully planned to serve a specific function:

• Central Volume: the heart of the home, including a living room, dining area, and kitchen. Large sliding doors open to a stream-side deck enclosed by a pergola with lattice for year-round outdoor living.

• Main Bedroom Volume: a secluded sanctuary to the left of the entrance, offering privacy, tranquility, and direct access to manicured paths.

• Family Wing: a cozy and intimate space with a record room, fireplace, and hidden glass doors leading to the outdoor living area. On the upper floor, children have a dedicated space for play and meetings near their bedrooms.

• Garage and Workshop: the fourth gabled volume, designed as a functional and creative extension of the home.

This layout ensures a balance between intimate family zones and spacious communal areas, while maintaining a strong connection to the outside world.

Architecture and Materials

The home’s design emphasizes durability and low maintenance costs. Its materials include:

• Shou Sugi Ban cladding for warmth and strength.

• Black profiled steel for contrast and modernity.

• 2Stone brick tiles for texture and durability.

• Polished concrete floors with radiant heating for comfort and efficiency.

The interiors feature a minimalist, timeless palette, with white oak roofing and furniture from Bellmont Cabinets, Dekton Ultracompact Stone countertops, and concrete form tiles, delivering elegance without excess.

Flow Between Interior and Exterior Spaces

The Trailblazer House embraces the Northwest coastal landscape through transparency and connection. Large glass doors and windows frame views of the stream, while corridors and decks expand the space for outdoor living. The Struxure pergola system above the deck allows regulation of natural light and ventilation year-round, making the outdoor area as functional as the interior spaces.

A Modern Family-Oriented Resort

The Trailblazer House exemplifies Citizen Design's commitment to functional, sustainable, and beautiful family architecture. With its gable forms, natural materials, and landscape integration, it creates a modern sanctuary where every family member can find privacy, connection, and inspiration.