Quilchena was conceptualized from a desire to build a new, sustainable single-family residence on an existing sloped site that features a very lush landscape, challenging site access, and–despite fabulous views of the North Shore mountains–less than ideal solar aspect conditions. The owners were interested in preserving some of the existing architectural and landscape elements, improve the energy efficiency of the home, and completely reimagine the architectural expression of the façade and the rooflines.

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The design builds off of the existing foundation. The lower floor is fully renovated with a new ground-oriented secondary suite on the north-side. The west portion creates an expanded and improved entry to the primary residence, with a new staircase to the main floor. A  garden-oriented bedroom is located at the front of the house, and a listening room is included partially below grade at the rear of the house.

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The main floor orients to the northern views of the city and mountains, with a small library and living room situated to take advantage of the scenery. The kitchen on the south side orients to sunken garden in the rear yard; rake head glazing and folding accordion doors create an all-season conservatory in the cooking area. A quiet and comfortable sleeping area is created in the Primary Bedroom, with an ensuite that includes a deep soaker tub oriented towards a private, lush rain garden.

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The roofline expression uses asymmetrical trusses and strip skylights to draw as much natural light as possible into the depths of the floor plan, oriented over the staircase to create sense of lightness as one ascends into the main living spaces of the home.

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scope | architecture 

status | design