MOUNTAIN
Montana: Ranch recovery

NORTHWEST
Bainbridge Island: Tower suite
Sequim Bay: Forest retreat
Whidbey Island: Neighborhood

SOUTHWEST
Austin: Summer camp
Arizona: Straw-bale solution
Texas prairie: Hayloft home

What makes a house Western, relevant to living in the early 21st century, and a source of ideas and inspiration for anyone seeking to remodel or build? The 2001–2002 Western Home Awards — cosponsored by Sunset and the American Institute of Architects — offers a kaleidoscope of answers. Click on the links above to see more.

The jury selected 13 winning projects out of 350 entries. The winners resolve many of today's most urgent design concerns, including productive use of small spaces and tight lots, energy efficiency, sustainable construction, recycling, restoration, and even fire-resistant design.

They range from a new straw-bale house in Arizona to the meticulous reclamation of a Montana ranch. Among the winners are three Honor Awards for projects worthy of study by the profession, five Merit Awards for outstanding examples of today's architecture, and five Special Awards for solving distinct problems.

Jury: Karalei D. Nunn, AIA, Chair; Ross Anderson, AIA; Derick Belden; Craig Curtis, AIA; David Hertz, AIA; and Sunset Home staff