Bright Idea

Light is an important architectural element in the homes designed by architect Jon Dick, principal of Archaeo Architects. And practicing in Santa Fe, N.M., gives him plenty of opportunities to capture and manipulate natural light in innovative ways. This master bathroom is a good example. A skylight completely covers the bathing niche to provide ample passive heating to keep the homeowners warm before, during, and after a bath or shower. But Dick also wanted to filter the sunlight for a more soothing atmosphere. Thick, rough-hewn logs span the ceiling below the skylight to bring a rustic Southwestern look to the bath. Thin, straight willow reeds laced between the logs create a magical play of shadow and light. The bath’s symmetrical floor plan and pale shades of tile, plaster, and stone form a subdued backdrop that lets the patterned light shine.