Ascension House

as·cen·sion. noun: the act or an instance of rising or climbing up.

In Nelson BC, a small town in the mountains, the act of ‘rising up’ is rewarded by picture-perfect lake and mountain views, spacious skies, privacy, solitude, fresh tracks.

The Ascension House celebrates the act of ‘rising’ with three volumes of space that build upon one another to climb a steep and rocky site. The first volume of space (a carport and entry foyer) is carved into the rock - a protective shelter welcoming arrivals to the house. The second volume (bedrooms and a family room) begins the ascent to higher ground. Climbing higher still, the third and uppermost level of the home - the peak of the house - enjoys full privacy from the road and is designed as an open concept box with floor-to-ceiling glass providing panoramic views.

As the three volumes of space build on top of one another, they extend past, rotate and cantilever from the level below. This strategy results in multiple flat outdoor spaces - a unique quality among the houses on this steep mountainside street.