Whistler Residence, Interior Architecture by Battersby Howat Architects

Battersby Howat Architects have designed a house in Whistler, BC, Canada. Located in an exclusive Whistler, B.C. neighborhood halfway up a mountainside, this house was designed for a client from London, England who enjoyed the timber structures characteristic of the typical Whistler Chalet but wanted something unique that would capture the ambience without the cookie cutter organization and aesthetic. Located on a smallish, yet prominent site, the visual mass of this large structure was diminished through making a substantial portion of the house appear to be below grade. Thoughtful removal of bedrock and the careful allocation of program to allow for both adult and children’s retreat zones resulted in a structure that is extremely private and looks deceptively modest in relation to its neighbors.

The lowest level, which connects directly to grade, has a maze-like disposition of private and communal spaces. Exposed concrete walls bracket seamless wood lined alcoves that provide access to the sleeping quarters and service spaces located on this level. The main floor is a large open room animated by multiple natural light sources and varied views to the forest and mountains beyond. As on the first floor, walls extend past corners obscuring the space’s sense of containment. On the exterior, walls operate in a similar manner by extending the perceived limits of the interior and cropping views to control exposure and privacy.

Standing seam metal roofing and black stained shingles clad the main form of the structure. In contrast, recessed areas are lined with clear finished red cedar, douglas fir beams and large planes of glazing that bring warmth and light into the interior spaces.

Source : Battersby Howat Architects