Rural Urban Framework (RUF) 城村構架建築設計及研究平台

Gulf Islands Residence

Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter

GULF ISLANDS RESIDENCE

RUFproject

 ARCHITECTS
RUFproject

PHOTOGRAPHS
Ivan Hunter

YEAR
2011

LOCATION
Canada

CATEGORY
Houses

Text description provided by architect.

A conscious decision was made to root the design of the house in the regional, west coast vernacular pioneered by architects such as Ron Thom andArthur Erickson, beginning in the 1950s.

Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter
Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter

The stylei s characterized by post-and beam-construction with exposed timber structural members, extensive glazing, open floor plans, interior-exterior links, wood finishes, flat roofs, orientation to views and a delicate balance with the natural setting.

Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter

These elements were carefully integrated to define a new and innovative vision of regional architecture.

The design of this private residence responds to the clients’ desire for a “modern log cabin” on a precious piece of oceanfront property.

Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter
Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter
Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter

They were torn between two ideals: on the one hand the rustic Canadian log cabin and on the other the modernist glass house.

Through the use of expressive structure, expanses of glass, and a minimal material palette, the project took this challenge as its fundamental concept, striving to reconcile the rustic with the modern in form, materiality, and organization.

The house has been designed in the form of a bridge, creating a minimal footprint and achieving a high level of environmental performance on the site, while allowing native grasses and flora to grow underneath.

Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter
Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter

Working with the topography, the house is defined in two parts—a solid stone base sunk into the land, referencing the existing rock outcrops on the site, and a light timber “bridge” resting on the stone.

With a tranquil internal courtyard protected from the prevailing southeast winds, the strong horizontals of the heavy timbers reference the horizon, and transparency on the ocean side opens the full house to stunning panoramic views of the sea.

Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter
Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter
Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter


Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter
Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter
Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter
Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter
Gulf Islands Residence
© Ivan Hunter


Gulf Islands Residence
East Elevation
Gulf Islands Residence
East Elevation
Gulf Islands Residence
West Elevation
Gulf Islands Residence
West Elevation
Gulf Islands Residence
South Elevation
Gulf Islands Residence
North Elevation


Gulf Islands Residence
Floor Plan
Gulf Islands Residence
Lower Floor Plan


Gulf Islands Residence
Site Plan
Gulf Islands Residence
Site Plan


Gulf Islands Residence
Sketch

Gulf Islands Residence
Sketch
Gulf Islands Residence
Model

Rural Urban Framework (RUF) 城村構架建築設計及研究平台
Rural Urban Framework (RUF) 城村構架建築設計及研究平台
Room 406 Knowles Building, The Faculty of Architecture, HKU, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong 香港大學建築學院鈕魯詩樓406室