A Fun, Modern Family Home Designed to Survive Wildfires

It’s only a few hours’ drive from Seattle, but the Methow Valley on the eastern side of the Cascade mountains in Washington state feels like a different world. Colin and Alisa Sands and their three kids, who all hail from Washington’s western shore, built a second home here to enjoy all that the valley has to offer. With the area’s dry climate in summer comes the risk of wildfires, so adhering to firewise design principles was a must. For help, the Sands hired builder and friend Justin Hamlin, who suggested the Sands bring on architect Dan Nelson. After seeing Nelson’s previous projects on his Houzz profile, the Sands knew he was the right person to create a modern-rustic dream home that would last for generations.