The Eagle Rock Retreat is a vacation home for a trio of siblings, and is located on the property where they went on family vacations in their youth. The property is located along the north bank of the McKenzie River and features old-growth trees and a breathtaking view of Eagle Rock, a basalt column rock formation at the river’s edge. The kitchen was designed to be an open focal point of the main living pod, with views out to the river from the island while the cook prepares food. A custom-made cast glass countertop was built by a local artist Annah James, in collaboration with the clients and architect. The design of the counter simulates the movement of the water outside. We edge-lit the back of the glass so that it glows at night. Glass tiles were used on the backsplash areas, and some of them were sandblasted to give a subtle matte-to-glossy look. Cabinets were custom-built and incorporate built-in walnut pulls. We chose paperstone countertops in a black tone that grounds the space. Our goal in this kitchen was to keep the spaces open for multiple cooks, to create space for people to visit while someone else prepares food, and to capture the amazing light from the river. This project won a People’s Choice Award for Residential Architecture from the Southwest Oregon Chapter of the Institute of Architects in 2010.