On a shaded north-facing slope that affords the house spectacular views, the architectural ‘parti’ of the Mountain Shadow House is about harvesting light.
Carefully placed skylights in the roof open the central core of the house to the sky. The sun’s rays weave their way down the three storeys of the house, ultimately congregating in a double height glass atrium that is the main entry of the home. The glass atrium is both a connector and a buffer between the main house and a suite. The suite is a flexible, open concept unit that can support a multi-generational living arrangement or be a ‘west coast office’ for the Owner’s business.
A stair and residential lift, deep in the belly of the mountain, connect the entry atrium to the uppermost level of the home which contains the primary bedroom and feature living spaces. It is here, on the top level of the house, that the efforts of building on a steep and rocky site are rewarded with inspiring views of lake, mountain and sky.
Location: Nelson, BC
Client/Owner: Private
Team: SOA (Architect), RJC (Structural)
Status: Building Permit