Design Philosophy
With the use of vernacular building methods, HUIS of CJ (‘House of CJ’) is a residential design studio that promotes slow living. These values are implied through intentional site layout, programming, and design to reduce human impact on the natural environment and create dwellings that coexist with the earth.
The materials and construction methods promoted at our design studio are nothing new. Building with earth’s natural resources is as old as mankind. However, as our timeline has progressed vernacular traditions have been replaced with streamlined techniques and technologies that have not always proved beneficial for the environment. Here at HUIS of CJ we promote and utilize ancient traditions blended with modern building techniques, rooted in nature. There is a breadth of building practices that have been pushed aside by mainstream construction practices for far too long. We intend to bring back the knowledge and the awareness of various forms of earth-based building opportunities.
Carolyn Jane McGunagle
Owner / Principal Designer
Native to the Pacific Northwest, Carolyn draws inspiration from the natural environment. With a bachelor’s degree in sustainable development and a master’s degree in architecture, she continually looks for ways to promote intentional living, that is timeless and beautiful, through the promotion of natural materials. Carolyn has lived and worked both locally and abroad, researching and experiencing different cultures, lifestyles, and building methods. Her background is a summation of her intent today—to create dwellings; places we call home, that promote human wellbeing while protecting the environment.
*Huis: (noun): The Dutch term for ‘house’. A building in which people, especially a single family, live.