Inside the house of celebrated architect Jim Olson, in Mahnckes Point, Longbranch, United States| Jim Olson| In Residence | NOWNESS | STIRworld — Inside the house of celebrated architect Jim Olson, in Mahnckes Point, Longbranch, United States Image: Courtesy of Nowness

Architecture 01 mins. read

In Residence: Jim Olson

Up in the trees with the nature-loving architect.

by NOWNESSPublished on : Nov 28, 2019

The home of architect Jim Olson - founder of Seattle-based practice Olson Kundig - is a monument to the principles that have underpinned his entire architectural career: the idea that buildings can serve as a bridge between nature, culture, histories and people. His 14-foot by 14-foot treetop house in Longbranch, Washington, is designed to encourage its inhabitants to look outwards and never forget that human beings are a part of the natural world.

Next up, In Residence: Claudio Silvestrin

To see more episodes from the series In Residence, click here.

For more details, visit Nowness

Read on:

What do you think?

In Residence: Sue Webster

by NOWNESSDec 26, 2019

Architecture02 mins. read

In Residence: Casa Gilardi

by NOWNESSDec 19, 2019

About Author

NOWNESS

A global video channel screening the best in culture. NOWNESS is a movement for creative excellence in storytelling, celebrating the extraordinary of every day. Launched in 2010, NOWNESS’ unique programming strategy has established it as the go-to source of inspiration and influence across art, design, fashion, beauty, music, food, and travel.

Thatch-topped structures in Sharjah Bridi Park ask if vernacular architecture travels

Architecture 05 mins. read

Thatch-topped structures in Sharjah Bridi Park ask if vernacular architecture travels

Oct 02, 2026

by Pia Bhatia Oct 02, 2026

Located in the Al Bridi Reserve in Sharjah, the project didactically projects its purpose of studying African ecosystems through local structures marked as ‘sculptural presences’.

QPAC’s new Glasshouse Theatre reflects the ripples of Queensland’s cultural aspirations

Architecture 06 mins. read

QPAC’s new Glasshouse Theatre reflects the ripples of Queensland’s cultural aspirations

Sep 30, 2026

by Pranjal Maheshwari Sep 30, 2026

The new cultural centre by Blight Rayner Architecture and Snøhetta envelopes world-class facilities in a sinuous glass facade, alluding to the theatrical rhythms of the performing arts.

The new Apple Music Hall cues a revival for live music in Battersea’s Art Deco brick shell

Architecture 05 mins. read

The new Apple Music Hall cues a revival for live music in Battersea’s Art Deco brick shell

Sep 29, 2026

by Pranjal Maheshwari Sep 29, 2026

The one-of-its-kind music centre in Apple’s six-storey Battersea Station space in London houses world-class facilities for live performance and worldwide broadcast.

In GAK House, a formgiving terrain shapes a discreet yet open architecture

Architecture 05 mins. read

In GAK House, a formgiving terrain shapes a discreet yet open architecture

Sep 25, 2026

by Pia Bhatia Sep 25, 2026

Brazilian firm Bernardes Arquitetura creates a residential space that is both concealed from and integrated within the natural environment that surrounds it.