Governors Point

Governors Point redefines what it means to build with reverence for the land. Tucked away on a remote peninsula in Washington’s Salish Sea, this 125-acre site has been shaped not by ambition, but by restraint. Developer Randy Bishop made the deliberate choice to preserve 98 acres as a permanent nature reserve — land that will never be built upon. Just 16 homes occupy the remaining space, each one conceived with the landscape, not over it.

The architecture, by Vancouver-based Omer Arbel, echoes the quiet strength of its setting. Residences are partially embedded into the earth, their forms wrapped in cedar burl offcuts reimagined as a sculptural skin. Overtime, the wood will silver, moss may grow, and the houses will seemingly disappear into their surroundings. Bishop and Arbel says they won’t be visible to passersby on Chuckanut Drive, a famous scenic road in the area, and mostly shrouded to kayakers paddling on the bay below. From the water, they appear as fleeting silhouettes; from land, they almost disappear entirely.

Inside, the approach is equally considered. Expanses of glass open the interiors to sky and sea, while materials like reclaimed wood and local stone bring warmth without excess. Lighting, created in collaboration with Bocci, floats like forest light filtered through trees. The homes are modest in size, sensitive in placement, and generous in spirit — an architecture that listens, adapts, and endures.

In collaboration with CUUB, the essence of Governors Point’s eco-luxury philosophy is brought to life through thoughtful visual content. CUUB captures the delicate interplay between home and landscape, portraying Governors Point not just as a place to live, but as a lifestyle in harmony with nature. Sweeping aerial views reveal homes that appear to rise gently from the land, surrounded by towering trees and rugged coastline. Detailed close-ups highlight the texture of moss-covered cedar, inviting viewers to feel the raw beauty of sustainable materials. Each image tells a story of peaceful coexistence with nature, inviting others to envision a life where luxury and environmental integrity are one and the same.

Objectives & Outcomes

At Governors Point, CUUB was tasked with more than just showcasing architecture — we were asked to create a visual language that would translate the project’s unique philosophy into a immersive story. Through crafted renderings, we built a narrative around harmony with nature, sculptural design, and material authenticity. This distinct visual style became the foundation for all marketing communications, setting the emotional and aesthetic tone for the project.

The impact was immediate: project drove wide international media recognition, with placements in Architectural Digest, Yanko Design, Surface Magazine, Dezeen and more — reaching an audience of over 16 million. More than just visuals, our work became a strategic tool that elevated brand perception, supported sales, and positioned Governors Point as a global icon of eco-luxury living.

Concept

For Governors Point, we set out to craft more than just a series of visuals — we built a visual story that lives at the intersection of emotion, identity, and strategy. The concept was anchored in the idea of quiet immersion: homes not as structures imposed on nature, but as living extensions of the landscape. This philosophy shaped every creative decision, from the texture of the materials to the quality of light and atmosphere.

At CUUB, we believe that strong visual narratives don’t just inspire — they position. The renderings became a strategic asset: a tool to communicate the project’s unique values. Each image was designed to carry meaning, to feel like a moment discovered rather than staged. As a result, the Governors Point visuals didn’t just show the project — they defined how it would be remembered.

Moodboard

The architecture of Governors Point feels like a land art installation — not something placed onto the landscape, but something grown from within it. There’s no single focal point or dominant feature; every element matters only in relation to the whole. This idea of quiet cohesion and balance became the foundation for the project’s visual tone.

The creative team drew inspiration from the works of Olafur Eliasson, particularly Riverbed, and the environmental interventions of Christo and Jeanne-Claude. Their exploration of the boundary between the artificial and the natural resonated deeply with the project’s philosophy. The house as a sculptural presence — meant to feel purposefully “lost” in the forest, yet undeniably intentional. A piece of architecture that is both independent and inseparable from its surroundings.