FUNNEL COVE HOUSE
Oak Bay, BC

Designed for a sheltered waterfront site in an early 1900’s Garden-City suburban plan by John C. Olmstead, and sub-divided in the 1960’s, the triangle shaped lot offered dramatic ocean and mountain views to the north and a southern exposure to the street-side of the house. The challenge was to find a form and orientation to capture the remarkable vistas without compromising natural light or privacy from flanking neighbours. A circular plan was devised that reconciled the geometry of the site by creating tapering side yards that appear wider through perspective distortion. An intersecting north-to-south skylight spine captures sunlight from the south and refracts it through the house and to the patio on the water side. Polished concrete floors extend to the exterior porch, patios and further connect the house with its verdant setting. A subtle and serene character is achieved with the material palette of vertical, black-stained reverse-batten cedar cladding, stone and the rich landscape designed by Twyla Rusnak in collaboration with the owners.

Photo Credits: Joshua Lawrence