© Sama Jim Canzian
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© Sama Jim Canzian
Description submitted by the project team. Location – This project is located in Sandy Cove, a small West Vancouver neighborhood situated in a mature coastal rainforest filled with Douglas fir and Western red cedar. This unique location has three “front” courtyards: to the north, Cypress Mountain; to the south, Burrard Inlet; and to the west, Lighthouse Park. The complex geography of the site is surrounded by rough granite covered in lichen. This house replaces a distinctive Ron Thom-designed home that was as sharp and weathered as the site, with an innovative hexagonal grid inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s Usonian plans. Unfortunately, the previous house, from the 1960s, was demolished after a controversial battle between heritage conservationists, local politicians and land speculators.
© Sama Jim CanzianPlants© Sama Jim Canzian
Design – Referencing the site’s lost architectural heritage, the angular floor plan of the new home is inspired by Ron Thom’s design, but more importantly, uses angles to create specific sight lines that encompass the panoramic views that surround the property. The angular planning also eliminates unwanted views of the surrounding area, as roads on three sides delimit the land. Conventional planning was reversed, so that private bedrooms and family spaces are located on the lower and middle levels. This allowed the public spaces of the house – the most used during the day – to be on the upper level, enjoying the best views, natural light and generous outdoor spaces. The upper level has a continuous wraparound roof that provides outdoor living space in all directions during all hours of the day, while protecting from frequent rain. The chevron shape of the house creates a small cove in the south-facing elevation, providing protection and privacy to the pool areas and terrace areas. At the ends of the house, points on the floor plan mimic the bow of a ship, guiding the eye toward large ocean freighters anchored in the harbor. The windows and doors on the top floor do not reach the ground, making the surrounding views more horizontal and private.
Cortes© Sama Jim Canzian
Materiality – The wooded terrain inspires the cladding of the house in two ways. The oversized, custom-made red cedar shingles create a peculiar sense of scale and proportion, as they are four times larger than usual. These shingles give the illusion of a smaller, more compact house nestled in the forest, providing a more visceral connection between the inhabitants and the powerful materiality of the grain and texture of the wood. Ordinary materials experienced on a new scale are a delight, invoking a childlike joy. The shingles were finished with a custom stain that matched the bark of the surrounding trees, making them appear older than they are. In contrast, the interior is filled with diffused ambient light, like a shimmering white lining. The interior details match the house plans. All trim is made with 45-degree beveled boards that extend uninterrupted throughout the house. The details give the interior dynamism and calm at the same time.
© Sama Jim Canzian
