Despite a narrow lot, this award-winning two-storey home stands out in a neighbourhood of standardized houses. The showcase of local skilled artisans, along with the integration of wood and concrete, helped bring the architect’s innovative vision to life.
The single-family residence is made up of two masses – one of a larger wood frame structure housing the living and sleeping areas, next to a smaller vertical board form concrete structure housing the entry and circulation space. To enable maximum flexibility and cost-effective solutions, Fast + Epp utilized clear span TJI framing in the main wood structure that included large opening glass doors and an open plan. The master suite is located on the lowest level to provide a separate retreat from the rest of the residence.
Inside this inventive home, steel-plate stair railings punctuate the rawness of its manufacturing. While the exposed polished concrete floors create a visual contrast against the wall finishes and solidify the ambiance of the building, they also provide thermal mass and improve acoustic separation between floors.
In addition to the bright backyard living space, a second floor looks out to a beautiful green roof and living wall in the studio behind, connecting every room in the house to nature. The completion of this contemporary single-family home is a new model for blending comfortable living and secluded retreat areas through the mix of public and private spaces.
