Winning Small Modern Cottage: Cloud Ranch

Here’s a look at Cloud Ranch by Best Practice Architecture, the winner of our 2022 Design Awards Competition, Small Modern Cottages category.

We realize there is a trend today to go small. But let’s face it, not all of us would feel comfortable in a 400-square-foot home. This category celebrates new modern cottages that are small and efficient, but still accommodate a very comfortable, modern lifestyle. Cottages were capped at 1,600 square feet.

Winning Cottage: Cloud Ranch
Best Practice Architecture submitted the following project summary:

Cloud Ranch is not your typical retreat; designed for a Seattleite who fell in love with the remote, agricultural center turned creative arts hub of Tieton, Washington. 

Best Practice developed a modest dwelling inspired by the town’s mission to bridge the gap between the agricultural and arts communities. The thoughtful concept respects the spirit of the community and history of the chosen site — an old mom-and-pop orchard housing a decommissioned apple processing facility.

The two-story, 1,110-square-foot home sits adjacent to the old facility — designed to enhance, not overwhelm the warehouse through visual contrast and deliberate placement. 

On the ground floor sits a bedroom and main bathroom. Carefully placed windows and a walk-out covered patio welcome orchard views and sheltered respite. 

On the upper floor, one large living space opens to views of the property and a large accordion door leading to a spacious deck shaded by a shed roof. 

Best Practice utilized rugged and low-maintenance material to withstand the tough climate and blend with surrounding CMU structures. The adjacent warehouse houses creative space for the owner’s art and collection storage, but will be open to local creatives for collaboration and community building in the future.

“Powerful images! Clean. Simple. Love the use of humble materials in a beautiful way.”

Scott Edmonston, SEA Studio LLC, judge