Nordic Cottages
POULSBO, WA
Nordic Cottages is an eight-unit affordable housing community designed by Coates Design for the City of Poulsbo in partnership with Housing Kitsap. Completed in 2025, the project provides one-bedroom homes for older adults and adults with disabilities earning at or below 30 percent of the area median income.
Drawing inspiration from traditional Scandinavian architecture, the cottages feature dark wood siding evocative of the tar-treated facades found across rural Norway, paired with vibrant window trim in distinct colors that give each home a unique identity. The result is a joyful and welcoming neighborhood that honors heritage while fitting comfortably into its Pacific Northwest setting.
Each home is equipped with rooftop solar panels and access to a shared community garden, reinforcing the project’s commitment to sustainability and resident well-being. Developed on city-owned land and funded through a combination of local housing tax revenue, state grants, and county programs, Nordic Cottages demonstrates how thoughtful design can deliver lasting affordability, dignity, and a strong sense of community.
