ROCKLAND HOUSE
Victoria, BC
Set in a leafy neighbourhood of one of the City’s oldest suburbs, the orientation and slope of the site posed challenges but afforded southern exposure, views, privacy and level entry from the street. Design response to these characteristics became the generative parti of the house, a progression from the higher street level, through the main living floor, down to terraced outdoor living spaces. The main windows and doors of the kitchen, breakfast alcove, dining area, living room, family room and small office, face south to the pool and large, landscaped yard that include bocce and horseshoe courts.
The focus, spatial division, and inter-floor access of the interior is accomplished by a sculptural combination of cast concrete fireplace, chimney, and wooden staircase. The stair’s generous floor openings provide overlook between floors and brings light into the internal center of the house. The rest of the interiors were a collaborative effort with the owners. The private rooms on the second floor receive south and west light, shaded by deep roof overhangs, and the large main bedroom suite cantilevers over the pool deck.
The exterior of the house is vertical ship-lap Shou sugi ban (charred wood planks) with steel flashings, fiberglass-framed windows and steel canopy and details. The layered horizontality of the house is emphasized with a stepped roof facia. Surrounding the house, on and off-site, the landscape is a rich blend of mature trees, lawns and trimmed hedges.
Consultant Team:
Builder: Aryze Construction
Interior collaboration: Bidgood Interiors
Landscape: Biophilia Design Collective
Photo Credits: James Jones, Sama Jim Canzian
