Nighthawk Retreat is a 2,100 SF residence located in the Eastern Cascade Foothills of Washington. The V-shaped house is cut into the ridge, allowing for an earth-sheltered passive solar design. The concrete roof and retaining walls allowed the house to be buried under four feet of earth – offering insulation in the winter and cave-like cooling in the summer. Concrete overhangs provide snow control and solar shading. Rolling metal shutters serve the dual purposes of forming a second skin which offers additional thermal control, as well as fire protection and security when the retreat is not in use.

Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute “2010 Design Award – Honorable Mention” in the Residential Buildings category.

Architect: Eggleston Farkas Architects