The collaborative design of Nanton House by Wiedemann Architectural and BLA Design Group presents a stunning four-level brick residence in Vancouver, Canada. This home, tailored for a multi-generational family, artfully navigates a steep, corner plot beside the Arbutus Greenway with a beautiful brick and glass facade. The construction features expansive terraces that elegantly conform to the terrain, providing spacious living areas both indoors and out.
From the rear, the structure rises with three floors fully above ground, while maintaining a more subdued street appearance. The tiered terraces fragment the home’s scale, guiding the gaze toward spectacular western views. This intentional layering offers a distinct aesthetic resonant with its natural surroundings and complements the brick and glass facade perfectly.
Brick and Glass Facade: A house shaped by the slope
Nanton House integrates deeply into its site, allowing its design to harmonize with the land. Between each level, broad terraces transform into extensions of the interiors, facilitating outdoor enjoyment on every floor. This stepwise design not only reduces the perceived height from the street but also crafts a cascading effect across the landscape, enhanced by the brick and glass facade.
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Brick wraps the entire home
Brick, chosen for its durability, envelops the home, delivering a robust facade adaptable to Vancouver’s changing weather. Black metal accents add a contemporary touch, creating dynamic shadows as sunlight shifts. These thoughtful design elements contribute to both the home’s aesthetic and functional robustness, with the brick and glass facade playing a pivotal role in its architectural identity.
Two entrances for a multi-generational home
The sloped terrain ingeniously directs access via two distinct entrances, each serving different functions. The main entry, tucked beneath a green roof, leads visitors into the main foyer. Meanwhile, a second entrance, accessible by a sleek steel bridge, provides an alternate path for tutors and guests requiring privacy. The design incorporates the brick and glass facade seamlessly, ensuring each entrance feels distinct yet unified.
Inside, everything becomes lighter
In contrast to the heavy brick exterior, the interior is light and inviting. Open spaces flow seamlessly from one room to the next, with naturally stained wood unifying the design. A cozy living room features a fireplace and bookshelves, while a glass-enclosed room contains an oval dining table and a floating desk.
A dining room with garden access
With glass doors that extend into outdoor terraces, the dining room transitions smoothly between indoor comfort and nature’s charm. This layout not only enhances space but also fosters easy movement between various social areas, once again emphasizing the harmony achieved by the brick and glass facade.
A kitchen stretching along the dining wall
The kitchen stands out with grey cabinetry contrasting against the warmth of wood floors. Bar seating at the kitchen island and a round table positioned to take in views of the garden, harmoniously blending functionality with aesthetics.
Wood stairs connect four levels
Movement throughout the house is guided by wooden stairs and a prominent four-storey tower, linking levels and directing light and views. This design feature underscores the home’s verticality, enhancing connectivity across spaces.
Bedrooms designed for quiet study
The bedrooms offer serene study spaces, thanks to built-in desks that provide dedicated work areas. This thoughtful design supports both learning and relaxation, ensuring each family member has space for personal growth.
Contemporary bathrooms
Sleek bathrooms maintain the house’s modern aesthetic with streamlined fixtures and standalone bathtubs, highlighting a blend of utility and elegance.
A home office and art studio
Creative pursuits find their place in the home office and art studio, both designed to foster innovation. These areas complement the study spaces within bedrooms, offering variety in work environments.
A dark media room changes the mood
The contrast of a dimly lit media room offers an escape within the home, crafted for immersion and relaxation. Its darker palette creates a cozy, intimate atmosphere distinct from the brighter living areas.
Down to the wine cellar
The wine cellar combines elegance with practicality, featuring wall-mounted racks and a captivating live edge table. This space blends function with natural beauty, ensuring warmth amidst its focus on storage.
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Nanton House’s design skillfully leverages its challenging site, with terraces, dual entrances, and a striking brick and glass facade that harmonize with Vancouver’s landscape. Andrew Latreille‘s photography showcases this architectural marvel that enhances both family life and the urban fabric of the city.
Source: contemporist.com
Frequently asked questions
What unique design feature does Nanton House have?
Nanton House features expansive terraces that elegantly conform to the terrain, providing spacious living areas both indoors and out. This stepwise design creates a cascading effect across the landscape, enhanced by the brick and glass facade.
How does Nanton House integrate into its sloped site?
Nanton House integrates deeply into its site, allowing its design to harmonize with the land. The brick and glass facade helps to maintain a more subdued street appearance while offering spectacular western views.
What features contribute to the interior design of Nanton House?
The interior of Nanton House is light and inviting, with open spaces flowing seamlessly from one room to the next. Features include a cozy living room with a fireplace, naturally stained wood unifying the design, and a glass-enclosed dining room that transitions smoothly to outdoor terraces.