This 4,400 sq. ft. single family home and studio is part of Montiverdi Estates an unique residential neighbourhood in West Vancouver , Canada, consisting of 20 homes designed in 1979 by Canada's pre-eminent, Modernist architect Arthur Erickson. The 20 homes are sited in a 7 acre natural setting with numerous large trees, natural vegetation and rock outcroppings. The concept was to create a park-like setting with no formal definition of property lines. Each home is sensitively placed within the site, blending with the natural landscape and in relation to each other.
This westward facing residence sits on the downward slope of the site with views towards Howe Sound and Bowen Island, it was envisioned to be an extension of the forest floor, with the mossy flat roofs, nestled amongst the mature cedar, fir and hemlock , trees. The residence is composed of a garage , studio/bedroom and main house that lightly step down the site on slender columns within the forest setting. The house displays all the classic traits that define the West Coast Style: the use of wood and glass, integration of interior and exterior spaces, extensive glazing, orientation towards views, within a forest setting and abundant natural light. In the ongoing renovations of this home the goal is to give the residence a contemporary update, while being sensitive to the original design intentions.