With close proximity to neighbours and limited mountain views, the focus of this 4,200 square foot, North Vancouver home is oriented towards a forested ravine. Conceived holistically with a thoughtful integration of architectural, interior, and landscape design, the home provides diversity of experience inside and out.

Residence BD14 is situated on a cul-de-sac, on a sliver of land that once housed a private swimming pool for a house on an adjacent lot. The site’s ecology consists of a granite bedrock ravine, with boulders, a creek, Douglas fir trees, and ferns. The sculptural dwelling stretches and recedes into the sloping topography integrating architecture and site, acting as an instrument through which to enjoy carefully designed daily experiences.

A meandering path through a meadow of native flowers and grasses prompts visitors to slow down as they approach the abstract street-facing facade. White metal Alucobond panels and poured concrete provide a robust response to the North Shore rainforest climate, ensuring durability and ease of maintenance, a minimal backdrop to the landscaping, and a light respite to the dark forest context.

Inside, each level of the home responds differently to the site and views, connecting to four outdoor “rooms”. The office opens to a sunken “fire bowl” area hidden from the street, the dining room connects to an outdoor dining terrace in the rear yard, the master bedroom has a private deck on the upper level hidden behind vertical louvres, and the lower floor flex room opens fully to a covered terrace off the ravine.

Throughout, the familiar twists into the unexpected, perceptions shift and there’s a witty interplay between volume and void, and between interior and exterior details – helping to heighten even commonplace domestic experiences. The central stair is offset to create a canyon that delights, draws light downwards, and also spatially connects all three levels of the home. White walls and ceilings pinch and fold to visually divide and modulate the spaces. The pink tile in the powder room echoes the colour of the wildflowers, and its organic form harkens back to the sweeping exterior retaining walls and ramps.