Balance Associates designed the Cortes Island Residence, a home located in British Columbia, Canada. The home is nestled into a granite cliff face that looks out towards the Cortes Bay.
Exposure from the Straight of Georgia carries winds that exceed 100mph, as well as an aggressive salty spray during winter storms. In order to bear the elements, the home is fixated into the bedrock using cross-braced steel columns. The house is cantilevered over the edge of the hillside with exposed floor beams.
The entrance, which is level to the bedrock foundation, is surrounded by concrete structures that anchor the home to the site. Upon entering the foyer, guests are lead into an expansive kitchen, dining and living area that offers a spectacular view.
Cantilevered Cliffside Homes
The Cortes Island House is Precariously Located
Trend Themes
1. Cantilevered Cliffside Architecture - Architects and engineers can explore innovative designs that utilize cantilevered structures to create unique and breathtaking homes.
2. Extreme Environment Resilient Housing - Developers and builders can focus on creating homes that can withstand extreme weather conditions such as high winds and salty sprays.
3. Seamless Indoor-outdoor Living Spaces - Designers and architects can incorporate design elements that seamlessly blend indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing residents to enjoy stunning views.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Engineering - Architects and engineers can collaborate to create structurally sound and visually stunning homes.
2. Construction - Construction companies specialized in building resilient homes in various environments can thrive in this market.
3. Real Estate - Real estate developers can invest in properties with cliffside views and develop innovative luxury homes.