Tree House

Fondly called the Tree House, this unconventional home is nestled in the trees and overlooks the Strait of Georgia. It was designed to preserve the forested site’s raw beauty while also offering new ways to experience it. Strategically placed between two dense tree stands, the home’s elevated design is very much in tune with its natural surroundings and minimizes its impact on the forest floor. A screw pile foundation protects root systems, while cantilevered floors and a central bridge connect two wings, creating the feeling of living in the tree canopy and providing views of the water. The bridge, itself a bold architectural feature, also holds many functions: it connects the wings to expand the primary living area, allows for privacy on both sides while also keeping them connected, and immerses occupants in light and nature.

Clad in black-stained cedar shingles and Corten steel, the home’s exterior blends in with the landscape and pays homage to the site’s history as a shingle mill. Inside, exposed ceiling joists, plywood millwork, and a double-sided wood-burning fireplace create a cozy, inviting space. 

Photography by Dolf Vermeulen.