Vista House.
The Vista House sits high on the mountain, where a quiet neighbourhood converges with the boundary of a large forest. Appearing as a simple one-story bungalow from the front, the home nestles gently into the surrounding landscape. The irregular funnel-shape and steep topography of the site played a fundamental role in the architectural design and spatial layout of the house. Descending from the street level to the main entry brings a sensation of compression, particularly when coming down the curving driveway and walking under the large wood soffit. The glass entryway incorporates a series of wooden slats designed to maintain privacy in the open living spaces while allowing sunlight to filter through and creating an interplay of shadows throughout the day. Passing through the entry, an exterior concrete wall extends into the house becoming a feature for the interior as well as an integral part of the structure. Windows are thoughtfully placed throughout the house to frame snapshots of sky and foliage, enhancing the panoramic views of Stanley Park and the Burrard Inlet. The boundary between indoors and out becomes less pronounced, most notably with a balcony that extends over the landscape below and an interior cedar ceiling that extends into the exterior soffit. The cedar ceiling continues into the primary bedroom of the house, which shares similar sweeping views as the main living space.
Location: North Vancouver Canyon Heights
Size: 3,500 sq.ft.
Architect: Howe Sound Designs
Designer: BLA Design Group
Photography: Andrew Latreille
Status: Complete