Cover The Vista House emerges as a subtle surprise nestled in the surrounding landscape
The Vista House emerges as a subtle surprise nestled in the surrounding landscape
1 / 1
The Vista House by BLA Design Group in North Vancouver, Canada bridges modern living with the great outdoors through innovative design
Perched on the steep inclines of North Vancouver, Canada, where the city’s bustle gives way to a calm mountain backdrop, the Vista House emerges as a subtle surprise nestled in the surrounding landscape at the edge of a large forest.
Designed by international award-winning design studio BLA Design Group, the new West Coast modern build appears as a humble one-storey bungalow from the front, but expands into a two-storey contemporary architecture.
Read more: Home tour: An experimental house in Canada that pushes material boundaries
Spanning 4,900 sq ft, the full-time residence comprises an attached garage that links to the main floor, where the main bedroom is afforded the same sweeping views of Stanley Park and Burrard Inlet as the living area.
Meanwhile, the other bedrooms and baths are on the basement level opening into a lush backyard that blends into the surrounding context.
The Vista House emerges as a subtle surprise nestled in the surrounding landscape
1 / 2
While a huge challenge that called for an eight-month long design process, the irregular funnel-shape and steep topography of the site informed the architectural design and spatial layout of the house.
The Vancouver-based design studio drew inspiration from many legendary West Coast mid-century modern architects, such as Ron Thom, Arthur Erickson and Olson Kundig, focusing in particular their sensitivities towards materiality and the desire for buildings to connect humans closer to nature, or to embrace nature as part of everyday living.
See also: What is mid-century design and how it transcends time with its enduring appeal
The two-storey contemporary architecture that blends into the surrounding context
1 / 2
“From early on, we worked closely with the clients–[a husband-and-wife duo with two boys in college]–to design a modest home, which unfolds into an expansive celebration of space that balances introspection and openness,” say Jerry Liu and Jesse Basran, principal architects of BLA Design Group.
“We picked out moments on site with them, where the feeling of being outside and in nature could be translated into physical space, materiality and functionality.”
Don't miss: Home tour: A contemporary home in Canada inspired by Aman Tokyo
Above The main living area balances introspection and openness
The main living area balances introspection and openness
1 / 1
Above Wooden slats that offer privacy between the living room and the fully-glazed main entry
Above A combination of cedar wood, beige tones and concrete in the bright and open interior
Wooden slats that offer privacy between the living room and the fully-glazed main entry
1 / 2
The sleek black exterior grounds the architecture into the wedge-shaped site, descending from the street level to the main entry to bring a sensation of compression, particularly when coming down the curving driveway and walking under the large wood soffit.
Here, the glass entryway with a series of wooden slats was designed based on the homeowners’ needs for privacy from the street and balancing that with their desire for a strong connection to the surrounding environment.
Read more: 9 striking homes in the Big Apple that manifest a New York state of mind
The linear open-plan layout flows seamlessly into the dining and kitchen areas
1 / 3
Above The black cabinetry echoes the sleek façade of the home
Above A playful interplay of light and shadows penetrates the space
The black cabinetry echoes the sleek façade of the home
1 / 2
Using detailed drawings and models, thoughtful considerations were put into the orientation of the house: how light interacts with the structure in various weather conditions and the angle of sunlight at different times of the year; and how the wooden slats could be spaced to best achieve the desired effects.
The choice of materials is not an afterthought either, as wood offers warmth and complements the natural setting, while large glass windows ensure that the interior remains bright and connected to the outside.
“It was a fascinating feature to conceptualise and execute,” comment Liu and Basran. “Solving practical problems in beautiful ways to enhance the experiences of people who live in and interact with the space is a key method of our design approach.”
See also: Home tour: An interior designer’s monochromatic home with contouring accents in Canada
Above A sense of serene openness in the main bathroom
Above The persisting design theme of wood and concrete
A sense of serene openness in the main bathroom
1 / 2
Tastefully juxtaposing the heavy and integrated exterior is a bright and open interior with a combination of wood and beige tones, alongside concrete walls that extend from the exterior–a striking feature in the expansive interior that’s an integral part of the structure.
The boundary between indoors and out becomes less pronounced through the astute placement of large glass windows throughout the linearly arranged space, oriented to capture the far-reaching panoramic views, and enhance the connection to the environment.
Don't miss: 5 homes in Malaysia with exceptional views
Above The main bedroom shares the same sweeping views as the living area
The main bedroom shares the same sweeping views as the living area
1 / 1
Furthermore, cedar ceilings anchor the open-air home, exuding a grand yet cosy atmosphere with an overall sense of serenity alongside furnishings by King Living and Lightform fixtures.
“The Vista House is a modern architectural expression that beautifully interprets its surroundings,” conclude Liu and Basran. “It is a space where the spirit of the site is reflected–a home that resonates deeply with the rhythms of nature and life.”
NOW READ
Milan Fair 2024: 9 enduring design trends shaping home interiors in the coming year
Home tour: A modern family haven in Kuala Lumpur
12 beautiful luxury homes in Orchard, one of Singapore’s most coveted neighbourhoods
Credits
Photography: Andrew Latreille
Topics
Best of Tatler Asia video highlights
Featured videos from around Tatler Asia: Get exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the interviews we do, the events we attend, the shoots we produce, and the incredibly important people who are part of our community
Celeste Goh is a senior writer covering architecture and design. Based in Malaysia, she reports on emerging architectural and home design trends, as well as insights by local and international architects and interior designers.
Previously, she covered men’s lifestyle, fashion, music and entertainment.
