WINTERFELL
Whistler, BC, Canada
2020
Set within Whistler's breathtaking landscape, this custom ski home was crafted for a UK family seeking a harmonious blend of modern luxury and immersive natural living. Despite lacking distant vistas, the property strategically redirects its attention towards adjacent natural features, seamlessly incorporating elements such as exposed bedrock and select trees into its architectural framework.
Positioned against a serene tree preserve, the residence offers an unparalleled connection to the dynamic shifts of nature. The evening sun filters through the trees of the surrounding preserve, casting a captivating play of light upon the secluded back patio and pool zone. This changing experience of light, weather, and season is invited indoors through floor-to-ceiling glazing, while heavier elements like the stone fireplace and rich wood millwork provide warmth, comfort, and an important sense of enclosure. A simple set of natural materials makes up both the exterior and interior palettes, echoing the tones and textures of the rugged landscape. Weathering steel, split-face stone, and stained cedar will patina over time, developing a richer character and sense of permanence.
The home's layout prioritizes spacious gathering areas over expansive bedrooms, featuring a grand double-height and double-wide living room. Adjacent to this is a more intimate kitchen and dining area which opens directly to the back patio. The primary bedroom is situated on the most private side of the home, surrounded by trees from the preserve and overlooking the pool zone.
The juxtaposition of clean modern lines against the rugged wilderness enhances both, creating an architectural dialogue where nature itself becomes a part of the home. The design offers a transcendent experience where residents are enveloped by the elements, fostering a deep connection to the environment and the ever-changing seasons.
Architecture: Openspace Architecture
Interior Design: Openspace Architecture
Landscape Architect: Donohoe Design Inc.
Structural Engineers: Aspect Engineers
Construction: EVR Fine Homes
Photography: Russell Dalby
