Paxson Fay is a full-service marketing and public relations firm specializing in the architecture, design, and arts industries.
Paxson Fay
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Nakamoto Forestry’s Elemental House on Dwell
This Blackened Cedar Home Was Designed to Vanish Into the Trees—Almost
The all-electric home by OPAL Architecture pairs a striking charred timber exterior with bright interiors to create a forest retreat for a family of four on the coast of Maine.
Half a mile from the Atlantic, down a narrow road bordered by old stone walls, a dark stacked form emerges from the birch, oak, and pine of Maine’s York County. This is the Elemental House, a home for Joe and Katie Edwards and their two young children that was designed by OPAL Architecture to feel as if it had always been part of the landscape.
“We wanted the home to have a dark tone on the exterior that would make it disappear to some extent in the shadows of the woods,” explains OPAL design partner Riley Pratt. “The dark exterior and moments of transparency through the home create a lantern-like effect that we find quite beautiful.”
The L-shaped plan and detached garage sit within a clearing on the family’s two-acre wooded lot on Raynes Neck, a peninsula located about half a mile from the ocean. The cedar exterior of the home, Gendai Linseed Black yakisugi by Nakamoto Forestry, all but disappears into the surrounding forest.
Coming from nearly a decade in small city apartments—including a six-year stint in a basement unit—the couple’s brief was clear. “Our first priority was a house that made us feel connected to the outside world,” says Joe. Beyond that, they desired space to grow as a family, the ability to work from home, and the efficiency of a house informed by Passive House principles to minimize ongoing costs.
The 2,050-square-foot home is organized around an L-shaped plan that separates an open living wing from a quieter bedroom wing and wraps around a private yard. “We like to design homes with clear organization structured by circulation,” explains Pratt. “Moving through the home is an opportunity to connect with the environment, the time of day, the quality of light, even if only for moments.” Enormous floor-to-ceiling glass windows are situated at the ends of each axis, punctuating the dark envelope with transparency so the house glows warmly after dusk.
The home is clad in Nakamoto Forestry’s Gendai Linseed Black yakisugi, a charred Japanese cedar siding—commonly known as shou sugi ban outside of Japan—that the Edwards discovered during their own research into cladding options. “We were really struck by shou sugi ban’s balance of style with substance and quickly fell in love with it as a material,” says Katie. “It’s durable, pest and fire resistant and it has a striking, naturally-derived texture.” When the couple introduced Nakamoto Forestry to OPAL Architecture, Pratt was equally taken.
Pratt had previously experimented with charring wood by hand on a previous project, but had mixed results. Nakamoto Forestry, however, has been perfecting the process for over 50 years and has deep roots in Japan and the yakisugi tradition.
“Having a manufactured version with consistent quality is a great resource,” says Pratt. “We were drawn to the beautiful natural tones and textures the process creates on the surface, which allows for variation while using the same material.”
That same long-term thinking, grounded in Passive House principles to reduce operating costs and lower carbon impact, also solidified the choice of cladding. Yakisugi costs less than many high-end wood siding options, and roughly half the price of traditional brick or stone. Its durability and maintenance-optional finish also mean the Edwards won’t face the regular refinishing or replacement cycles associated with untreated wood.
While the exterior of the home is defined by its striking black facade, the interior is approached with a principle of what the homeowners call “soft contrast.” Bright walls and soft fabrics create a cozy, hygge-inspired atmosphere, while locally sourced white ash accents and intentionally minimal furnishings allow the home to remain a tranquil forest retreat. “Given the site’s wooded nature the interiors needed to feel bright in contrast,” says Pratt.
A flexibly programmed second-floor loft, accessed via a stairway with a wood screen element, has become the family’s most-loved space. “It’s our everything room—equal parts office, gym, guestroom, and playroom,” says Joe. “It’s also great being able to step out onto the roof from there. We’ve caught magical northern lights displays and seen a baby fawn take its first steps.”
Importantly, the all-electric home uses high levels of insulation, heat recovery ventilation, and triple-glazed windows to achieve a high energy efficiency without any renewable energy offsets.
“This project really taught us that a composition of basic forms can create a complex and meaningful site response as simple spaces become endlessly compelling when realised with a powerful connection to nature,” says Pratt. “But—the rich material quality of the exterior is critical when creating more minimalist designs.”
Project Credits:
Design: OPAL Architecture
Photography: Trent Bell
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meet the team
We’re inspired by diverse design perspectives, innovation, technology, art, and the world around us. We live for the chance to create and disperse powerful, genuine messages that resonate.
tessa franchini
principal
tessa@paxsonfay.com
Tessa graduated from Fordham University in New York with a dual bachelor's degree in Communications and Political Science. During her time at Fordham, she worked for an interior designer and at NBC News where she developed her love for both design and communications. After graduating, Tessa managed marketing at 3form, a pioneer in the sustainable building products industry. During her tenure, 3form was repeatedly named one of the most recognized manufacturers in the design industry among architects and designers, and the company won multiple awards for its innovative product launches. After 3form, Tessa consulted on marketing efforts with leading product manufacturers in architecture and design before starting Paxson Fay with Amy.
amy golden
principal
amy@paxsonfay.com
Originally from Seattle, Amy left her home in the Pacific Northwest to attend Fordham University, fulfilling her dream of living in New York City. After graduating with a BS in business administration, specializing in marketing and minoring in economics, Amy began her career in advertising sales at CNN and the Hallmark Channel in New York and LA. However, Amy’s love of writing, design, and connection with people ultimately led her to PR. While finishing her MBA back home at Seattle University, in 2015, Amy cofounded Paxson Fay with her friend and business partner, Tessa, driven by a shared vision to build a PR agency that reflected their values and passions. At Paxson Fay, Amy thrives in media relations and pitch development, enjoying the process of diving deep into each client’s story to craft compelling narratives that resonate with editors and journalists. Amy has a particular passion for architecture-focused projects, and securing SHED’s feature in The New York Times was an especially rewarding moment, as they were her first client. Another major career milestone was helping build out Paxson Fay’s talented team, fostering an environment where young professionals can grow their skills and pursue their passions. Outside of work, Amy loves spending time with her family, chasing after her two little boys, exploring Seattle’s restaurant scene, traveling with friends, and reading.
colby wood
account manager
colby@paxsonfay.com
After graduating from Fordham University in New York City with a major in Communications and Media Studies and a handful of marketing and PR internships, Colby moved to Boston to manage marketing for a small, women-owned, creative consulting agency. While in that role, Colby managed public relations and marketing efforts for some of Boston's most prominent events and public art initiatives, including the Boston Pickle Fair and The Bulfinch Crossing Projections in downtown Boston. Colby gained experience crafting brand stories and identities through social media marketing and creative copywriting, seen through the successful launch of a premier Massachusetts adult-use dispensary and the revamp of her agency's own website. After two years, Colby decided it was time to figure out what the West Coast was all about. Looking to blend her marketing experience with her passion for design and architecture, Colby found Paxson Fay, where she focuses on social media strategy and management and public relations.
paige childs
senior account executive + digital lead
paige@paxsonfay.com
As a child, Paige wanted to be an architect; but after falling in love with storytelling, the power of words, and yes, the show West Wing, she decided to pursue journalism at The George Washington University in the nation’s capital. Following graduation, Paige crafted communications for the beauty and banking industries. Craving space for creativity, she joined the small team that would reopen the congressionally designated National Children’s Museum. There, she played an integral role in establishing the museum’s brand, bringing it to life across digital channels, including social media, email, and advertising. After nearly eight years in DC, she decided it was time for a change of scenery. Having grown fond of the title Washingtonian, she made the cross-country move to Washington State. She landed in Seattle at Paxson Fay, where in true full circle fashion she is the architect of social media and public relations strategies for our architecture and design clients.
martina povolo
account executive
martina@paxsonfay.com
Martina joined the Paxson Fay team as an intern when she was a senior at the University of Washington. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Interest Communications, Martina is now continuing with the team as a Communications Assistant. During her time at UW, Martina worked as the Special Sections Editor at the university’s newspapers where she won multiple awards for her front page spreads. Looking to blend her minors in real estate and environmental science with her focus in communications, Martina is passionate and excited to join the Paxson Fay team.
tara lyons
account executive
tara@paxsonfay.com
With roots in Napa and Denver, Tara ventured to the Pacific Northwest to pursue her academic journey at the University of Washington, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Education. Tara's love for writing began when she delved into songwriting, building on her pre-existing passion for singing and playing the piano. Following her undergraduate years, she returned to Paxson Fay, where she had previously interned, transitioning into the role of Communications Assistant. With a keen interest in PR and social media, Tara seamlessly integrates her creative flair into the professional realm. Outside of work, you'll find Tara passionately supporting the Kraken, embodying her love for both storytelling and sports.
Jamie Paxton
Communications Assistant
jamie@paxsonfay.com
Growing up in the Bay Area, Jamie made her way to the Pacific Northwest to attend the University of Washington, where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communications and Psychology. Jamie first joined the Paxson Fay team as an intern during her senior year at the University of Washington and is excited to continue her journey with the team as a Communications Assistant. With a passion for writing and social media, Jamie is excited to bring her creativity and unique perspective to the role. Outside of work, you can find Jamie exploring local restaurants or picking up a good book.
We are hiring for our internship program! We are looking for an intern with a passion for design to help manage key communication channels. Click here to read more.
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what we do
We are a communications firm founded in our passion for good design. Our unique approach to marketing and public relations in the architecture and design community has elevated our clients work to the next level. We’re backed by a talented community of creatives. From copywriters to social media experts, we provide a complete package of customized services. We strive to create a personal experience with each client, integrating teams and tackling your biggest marketing and public relations challenges from a high level. Then we help execute those plans ensuring lots of reporting along the way, with lots of coffee breaks in between because we’re from Seattle and that’s what we do.
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