Project overview
This home for six provides a transition from the energetic coast to a quiet Garry Oak landscape. We developed a palette of formal and site approaches for this special parcel at the edge of metropolitan Victoria, on a peninsula rich with geologic features.
3,200 square feet Victoria, BC
Design criteria
Elevation
58
'
Climate zone
4C
Heating degree days
2611
Cooling degree days
54
Winter design temperature
21
° F
Frost depth
18
"
Concept
Intended to be a primary residence for a family of five plus a secondary suite, the clients were drawn to a living arrangement that structured three main domains: public living / entertaining, private sleeping / bathing, and intermittent recreation / hobbies. They were also interested in fluid interior-exterior connections, and capturing elusive views of the Salish Sea. These schemes represent the scope of conceptual design.
Site
The parcel is across the street from the peninsula coastline, atop a few bedrock outcroppings, and surrounded by native Garry Oak prairie ecology. Having been previously owned by avid gardeners, they had a wealth of cultivated and native plants to work with, including one majestic Garry Oak. We designed a pool for recreational use and various ways to utilize the large area for good: vegetable beds, orchards, pollinator plants, and native ecology restoration.