West Vancouver, BC, Canada
The original residence (Erickson/Massey, 1964) was precariously set on the highest level of this steep and rocky site. The exposed wood framing grows out of the site, becoming a half timber structure with plaster infill above, reminiscent of an Elizabethan cottage. The forested rocky site and straight tree trunks are echoed in the framing, as are the lowering boughs in the roofline.
The first addition to the house was a beach house (Erickson/Massey, 1971), set into the toe of the sloping site. The beach house is constructed of a stone retaining wall with glass facing the sea.
A subsequent addition to the main house (Arthur Erickson Architects, 1981), includes a generous entry and master bedroom suite, overlooking a new swimming pool, with views also towards the sea.
A further addition to the expanded property, includes a second beach house made of concrete (Nick Milkovich Architects w/ Arthur Erickson, 2005), quietly set into a steep bank. It is situated on a bay guarded by a breakwater, set in a developed landscape with ties to the beach over a broad stair. The lofty interior spaces, primarily in white, are washed with natural light providing exhibition space for art in a casual beachside setting. Subsequently, a master bedroom suite was placed on the roof of the beach house, with a roof top blending into the landscape and views of the beach, local islands, Burrard Inlet, and distant Vancouver Island.
The latest work includes an extension of the existing swimming pool to 60 ft with a further 40 ft reflecting pool plus a clubhouse below (Nick Milkovich Architects, 2021), also with breathtaking views. A glass elevator connects the pool terrace on the main level with the original house to the clubhouse and beach houses below.