Words Janice Henshaw
Photos Harry Shaw, Coldwell Banker Oceanside Real Estate
When you drive up the nearly concealed lane through the wild forest in North Saanich, it takes a moment to discern the house, because it blends in so well with the surrounding trees. It looks like it grew straight from the forest floor and only consents to reveal itself gradually as one approaches it. The home is designed to be a part of nature, not simply located in nature.
Built with post-and-beam construction, the design integrates rough-hewn industrial aesthetics with natural elements. Most of the walls are huge windows, which means lots of light flows in, connecting you to the forest’s mood from inside. Skylights upstairs bring in even more light, and at night, you can stargaze (or tree-gaze) from bed. There is no need for window coverings, as the one-acre property is surrounded by 20 acres of inaccessible natural forest. The trees act like a natural curtain, offering shade, seclusion and privacy.
The homeowner, an architect himself, describes the home as a dwelling intent on minimizing disruption to the forest by maintaining as small a footprint as possible and allowing the character of the forest to flow right through the interior, both horizontally and vertically through interconnected floor areas on each level. “The rugged character of the exterior environment is echoed on the interior by the rugged character of the design palette. This is achieved by deploying a design language of industrial aesthetic with its bold, rough structure, connections and materials, as well as polished concrete floors and self-supporting stair beams. It is not a flamboyant or slick architectural expression with formalist flying roofs or whatever the design fashion of the day favours. It is very much an architecture that is character-driven, toward the sensual and physical integration of the lived-in space and the environment in which it exists.”
The compact, stacked levels and efficient distribution of spaces combine to keep the footprint small and minimize the disturbance to the natural environment. The house does not have a clearly-defined style. “It’s not ‘modern’ in the sense that it is not a sophisticated, façade-driven composition, and it’s not traditional, as may be reflected in historicist elements such as Arts and Crafts. It is just an honest architectural expression of integrating the natural environment with the interior by tapping into the boldness of each. In our West Coast community, there are a great many ‘wow’ houses which are either special because they’re large, sophisticated, exploiting a view or because they have super high-end features about them, but this home’s ‘wow’ comes from delivering character.”
The self-supporting open stairs to the upper level are not attached to the wall but mounted on two angled, rough-sawn beams, which are themselves connected to the main ceiling beam. The staircases feature bold, visible bolts that reinforce the industrial aesthetic. Along with the huge column in the middle of the main living areas on all three levels, it seems to say: “Hey, notice how this place is a ‘tree’ just like my family outside.” It involves the structural aspects of this house in the story of the uniqueness of the place. Such integration – if it exists at all – is usually hidden behind drywall.
The layout of the house is also unusual. On the top level, there is an outside deck, a large bedroom with an ensuite and an adjacent walk-in closet. The bathroom features a cedar-finished sauna and a walk-in shower. A large open space is used for two office stations. The view of the forest from the huge windows is stunning; it feels as though you are actually in a tree house.
In addition to the central column on the main floor, exposed beams add structural and visual interest to the open-plan space. On the way to the kitchen, one can literally open a window and touch a tree. The well-laid-out kitchen opens to both the living and dining areas. It has an induction stove, pantry and modern cabinetry that contrasts with the rough textures elsewhere; it has no upper cabinets to block the view. Art lovers will see thoughtful arrangements and unique pieces, many picked up on travels and displayed with care. A modern airtight wood-burning fireplace is centrally located, serving as both a functional and decorative element. The couch faces the fireplace and is backed by two comfy chairs that face the other way, toward the TV, which, because of its position under the stairs, avoids being a central component of the room. Off the stairs is a bold red powder room with a vessel sink and contemporary fixtures.
Privacy is naturally ensured by the forest setting. The homeowner says: “Entertaining in our main living space feels almost magical when a few friends are gathered, surrounded by nature, with the fire going. Having that openness and connection and sharing it with people is a lovely aspect of our home.” Outside of the kitchen, the main deck is where they have their summertime barbecue, dining and conversation area. An outside elevator is available to bring heavy items up to the main level.
The three-level layout provides separation: downstairs has two guest bedrooms, and a convenient design feature allows the bathroom with its jetted tub to be turned into an ensuite for either bedroom. A wide entry to all the rooms provides a space to chat; it has a large mirror that enhances the light and brings the forest deep into the interior. On the same floor, a book-lined library opens to a unique “grotto,” so named because the secluded space was carved out of rock to accommodate the hot tub. A laundry room and dedicated bike room are located downstairs, along with the furnace. There are also two heat pumps for temperature control.
In summer, the garden area is full of flowering trees, and in fall, the mature specimen trees put on a stunning show with their scarlet and gold leaves. When winter arrives, the moody view of a slumbering, misty forest is still magnificent. Heated floors, natural wood stains, and claddings inside and out make everything flow together, giving the whole place a warm, welcoming feel. All these thoughtful elements come together to create a space that is unique, practical and beautifully in tune with its natural setting.
