This was a fantastic project on Pender Island, built for lovely clients who were open to exploring creative ideas. Their priority was a high-quality, durable home with exceptional energy efficiency. While spacious, the design's intent was functional, not grandiose; every room was sized to be comfortable and practical. As they intended this to be their final home, the "do it right the first time" philosophy guided all decisions, from lasting materials to dedicated hobby spaces.
We applied Passive House principles for super energy efficiency. A key design challenge was the home's high aspect ratio (the ratio of surface area to floor area), which can increase heat loss. This meant the design exceeded the specific heating demand target for official Passive House certification, though certification itself was not the primary goal. The home remains exceptionally comfortable and energy-efficient.
Aesthetically, a curved roof was used to soften the building's linear form and give a nod to the ocean just meters away. This form is echoed in the concrete retaining walls, which follow the land's natural contours. To create design continuity, we brought this same rustic, embossed concrete finish indoors, making the fireplace and kitchen island a unique, unifying feature.
