Splyce Design completed the 'Russet Residence,' a home located on a steep site in West Vancouver, Canada. From the west, the house offers views of the cedar and Douglas fir trees; from the south, the house looks out towards the ocean.
The home's location posed several environmental and geotechnical challenges. To comply with these conditions, the architects were forced to push the home's foundation eastward, a decision which resulted in lost space. To gain it back, the architects cantilevered the main and upper floors past the foundation. This is most noticeable in the dining room, which projects fifteen feet past the foundation. The architects decided against window frames, extending the glazing panels on all three sides of the room. As a result, the space almost becomes apart of the surrounding forest.
Nestled in the forest, the house appears modestly sized at first. It is only as one moves throughout the interior that they begin to understand how the home is oriented according to its topography.
Rugged Topographical Residences
The Russet Residence Makes Up for Lost Space
Trend Themes
1. Eco-architecture - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop sustainable construction materials and techniques to overcome environmental and geotechnical challenges in rugged locations.
2. Maximizing Space - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create innovative building designs that utilize cantilevering and glass panels to gain back lost space in challenging terrains.
3. Integration with Natural Surroundings - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design homes that seamlessly blend with and embrace the surrounding environment, providing a unique and immersive living experience.
Industry Implications
1. Architecture and Construction - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore new architectural solutions and construction methods to tackle the challenges posed by rugged terrains and topographies.
2. Sustainable Materials - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop eco-friendly and durable materials specifically designed for rugged residences, considering their unique requirements and constraints.
3. Interior Design - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create interior design concepts that complement the natural surroundings and enhance the integration between indoor and outdoor spaces in rugged homes.