An Environmental Treasure

The intent of the owners and architects from the outset was to protect and enhance the delicate Indigenous Garry Oak ecosystem on the homesite, one of the few of its kind remaining on South Vancouver Island. Trees that were culturally modified generations ago now embrace its newest inhabitants. And the result is truly inspiring.

One cannot fully appreciate the essence of this spectacular home without understanding its central feature – the Canyon River. Carrying ocean water back to the sea, the Canyon River adds drama and inspiration while performing an important function in the hydrothermal radiant energy system of the residence. Soaring etched-glass walls with inset lighting and cascading waterfalls are a continual source of inspiration and quiet reflection.

Reciprocity with the Landscape

From the beginning the owners and architects became interested in developing a reciprocity with the landscape. The goal was to see how the landscape and building might participate in and facilitate the social conditions of the residents while providing an approach that gives a clear and strong sense of the environment and ones relationship to it.

The interplay of sight-lines across the reflecting pool into the surrounding landscape and into the interstitial, light-diffusing space of the attic (much of the artificial light arrives through attic fixtures and through ceiling skylights) connects one to spaces beyond the immediate.