* Residential Architecture: Cortes Island Residence by Balance Associates Architects

Residential Architecture: Cortes Island Residence by Balance Associates Architects: “..Located at the south end of Desolation Sound on Cortes Island, British Columbia, Canada the site is formed of natural granite bedrock and contains a dramatic peninsula and cliff which serve as a windbreak for Cortes Bay as well as the Seattle and Vancouver yacht clubs. To the south, the house is exposed to the Straight of Georgia which delivers extremely high wind speeds and salt spray during winter storms. To withstand the high winds, the house structure is embedded into the bedrock with steel columns and exposed wood floor beams allowing the house to cantilever off the hillside. Steel cross braces resist the large lateral forces brought by the high winds..The entry side of the house sits level with the bedrock and is made up of visually solid concrete forms that create the entry space and anchor the house to the site. From the entry, one accesses the central great room which includes the living, dining and kitchen, all with expansive views to the straight beyond. The main gathering space opens up to a south facing exterior deck by way of a grand 11ft tall by 24ft wide custom sliding door. This great room is flanked by a guest suite and study to the west and a master suite that captures the morning sunlight from the east..”  Extensive glazing, natural light, lovely views; horizontal wood cladding, wood ceilings; terraces, indoor / outdoor sensibility..

See our posts on two other homes by Balance Associates Architects:

• Residential Architecture: River Bank House by Balance Associates Architects
• Residential Architecture: Wolf Creek View Cabin by Balance Associates Architects

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image: © Steve Keating Photography; article: ”Cortes Island Residence / Balance Associates Architects” 11 Aug 2011. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/158202&gt;

* Residential Architecture: Beachaus II by Inhaus Development

Residential Architecture: Beachaus II by Inhaus Development: “..The Beachaus II was recently completed in the City of White Rock, British Columbia, Canada. Designed by Chris Pardo of Elemental Design. The home was configured to maximize privacy while maintaining light and view. Built as five modules in a factory across the border by Method Homes, the home achieved LEED Platinum (the first home in the area to reach this level of sustainable design). Beachaus II is just over 2,000 sqft living up to its developer (Inhaus Development) motto of “live smart, not large”..A truly hybrid approach was used in the construction, a lower site poured concrete garage gives the home a solid substantial feel contrasting the vast openness of the upper modular level. An exterior stair accessed from the living room is positioned within the exterior shroud and leads to a roof deck with gorgeous views of Semiahmoo Bay. The home utilizes energy-efficient design and technology including, HRV air-exchange system, high-performance windows, radiant heating, tight thermal envelope with high performance spray foam insulation. Rainwater is collected from the roof and used to help irrigate the low-maintenance yard..”  LEED Platinum, sustainability; ample glazing, natural light; privacy; interesting interior volumes, roof terrace, terrace; wood flooring and interior elements..

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image: Courtesy of Inhaus Development; article: ”Beachaus II / Inhaus Development” 08 Aug 2012. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/261418&gt;

* Residential Architecture: On Vancouver Island, a Tree-Hugging House

Residential Architecture: On Vancouver Island, a Tree-Hugging House: “..a house split in two: the main structure on one side of the trees, the garage and guest quarters on the other, connected by an elevated walkway. Workers had to dig to find every root before installing the pillars on which the elevated foundation sits, allowing water to wash under the house during storms..Inside the house, the trees are ever-present, viewed head-on through the glass walls of the cathedral-like living space, glimpsed from oblique angles in a downstairs bathroom or second-floor guest room. The elevated walkway is so close to the meaty trunk of one tree that you can open a window, reach out and grab a piece of bark, as if you were standing in a treehouse made of glass..“There’s a real sense of intimacy to being in and among these big trees..”  Truly lovely site, extensive glazing, natural light, wonderful views, contextual sensibility; colorful interiors..

Slideshow accompanying the article, here.

image: Brad Laughton, The New York Times; article: Steven Kurutz, The New York Times

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* Residential Architecture: Whistler Residence by BattersbyHowat Architects

Residential Architecture: Whistler Residence by BattersbyHowat Architects: “..this house was designed for clients who appreciate the timber structure characteristic of a Whistler Chalet, but desired a unique family home for seven that would capture this ambience without its typical organization and aesthetic..clear finished red cedar, douglas fir beams and large planes of glazing that bring warmth and light into the interior spaces..”  Striking form, abundant glazing and natural light, privacy, views, contextual sensibility, lovely wood-dominated interior spaces, terraces and indoor/outdoor sensibility..quite a few very good interior and exterior photos by Sama Jim Canzian..

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image: © Sama Jim Canzian; article: Ross , Kritiana . “Whistler Residence / BattersbyHowat Architects” 20 Apr 2012. ArchDaily. <http://www.archdaily.com/227636&gt;