The owner wanted to redesign this home as a reflection of
its dramatic rainforest setting. Using
Bernard Maybeck’s West Coast designs as inspiration, a large timber frame was
commissioned to provide both the structure and the principal design
element. This vision, however, presented
some significant challenges – specifically the trusses and the long
cantilevered gable. Furthermore, the
owner wanted to avoid visible metal fasteners while maintaining the wide span
and open plan interior spaces – European structural screws were used to achieve
the critical bonds at the rafter and collar connections and aluminum dovetail
fasteners were used at purlin and rafter connections, preserving the continuity
of the wood.
The large gable overhang was constructed by usingcantilevers on the ridge and purlins; 10” structural insulated panels were usedon the roof throughout and at the gables; and LVL structural splines were usedto help create the large overhangs.
One hallmark of Maybeck’s work is the use of native woods,
and the timber frame itself is fresh-sawn Coastal Douglas fir from
second-growth British Columbia forests. Surface texture on the frame was
achieved by media blasting in situ,
followed by two coats of custom-tinted, locally-produced CBR Broda Pro-Thane Ultra
Clear.
Wood has also been employed throughout the home, not just
structurally, but also decoratively:
- Custom
white oak millwork and doors, randomly hand-distressed and quartersawn to
accentuate the medullar rays that extend across the boards, picking up on
the red flame of the timber, red marble veins of kitchen and pantry
countertops and the amber in the marble and floors
Other features of the home that reference Maybeck’s
influence are the large windows, handcrafted details (particularly the custom
designed and local artisan-created metal works), use of colour and integration
with the surrounding landscape. The wooden
structure is used to great effect as a framework for balancing traditional and
modern elements, and for evoking the magnificence of the Coastal forests while
retaining the simplicity of the wood’s inherent warmth and beauty.
Other items of note:
- Tight
construction, Energy Star appliances and low-flow fixtures contribute to
the building’s EnerGuide rating of 88
- Vantage
Automation System allows the owner to control temperature, lighting, A/V
and security all from a single touch-screen, while also monitoring energy
consumption.
