Block House

Vancouver, Canada

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Block House

Vancouver, Canada

Firm

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2004

Set in a unique neighbourhood in Vancouver, Canada, this urban retreat tries to blur the distinction between interior and exterior space and establish continuity between the two. In this case, the site offers the inspiration for the layout, creating a clear connection to specific views and materials.A key element of the design is the organization of public and private space. The central service core, visible from both the interior and exterior of the house as a slender mass of concrete block, informs a clear division, splitting the house roughly for 1/3 of private space (with bedrooms and den areas) and 2/3 of public space (with living, dinning and kitchen areas).Materials were carefully selected with sustainability in mind. Natural yet durable materials, such as concrete and stone, were chosen for their longevity and easy maintenance. Recycled cedar decking was used for the floor structure and remains exposed on the ceiling. The heavy structural, Douglas-Fir timbers were harvested from ‘firekill’ wood (dead standing trees) Fly-ash content, an industrial by-product, was added to the concrete block and concrete floors mixtures.