RBA studio

Chilliwack

Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography

CHILLIWACK

Randy Bens Architect

LOCATION
New Westminster, Canada

CATEGORY
Houses

AREA
300 ft²

PHOTOGRAPHS
Roger Brooks Photography

YEAR
2011

The project brief was to add a new floor to an existing 1950’s split level home, which was originally designed by an architect.

Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography
Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography

However, due to some unforeseen conditions, the existing house had to be removed.

So the construction is all new, and the design retains hints of the old.

Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography
Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography

The existing house was too small for the family, so a new floor was added containing a master bedroom, ensuite, office and deck.

Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography
Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography

The new upper floor cantilevers in two directions, and compliments the lower (original) cantilevered portion of the house.

Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography
Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography

To soften the strong geometry of the house, clear stained cedar siding was used on all surfaces to give the composition scale and warmth.

Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography
Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography

The inner face of each cube is lined with bluestone to provide contrast. The house feels very spacious in relation to its actual size.

Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography

There are three ceiling heights used throughout the house which create volume and a sense of openness.

Careful window placement allows walls to be washed with light and views to be controlled.

The interior material palette is very simple - white walls, rift cut oak cabinetry, and bluestone floors (and patios).

Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography
Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography

Bluestone is also featured as a cladding material around the base of the garage and at the insets of the front “boxes”.

Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography
Chilliwack
© Roger Brooks Photography


Chilliwack
Elevation

Chilliwack
Elevation
Chilliwack
Elevation
Chilliwack
Elevation


Chilliwack
Plan
Chilliwack
Plan

RBA studio
T +1 778 9321688
RBA studio
525 W 8th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5N 1C6, Canada