Barnes House by Patkau Architects

This project always reminds me of a giant whale floating onto land, its skeleton becoming the structure of the building. It is a phenomenal example of building within your site and allowing nature to speak for itself, beginning high on the site and slowly descending to the more intimate spaces at the bottom of the home. Regardless of the change in elevation, at no point does the light shift to feel like a confined basement. It flows with the landscape from the road to the water.

Buckets: Topography, structure, concrete

75.9 by Omer Arbel

This design is unlike anything I have ever seen. It pushes the boundaries of landscape integration by creating its own landscape entirely. The site is flat, but the home's undulating slopes on every side make its entry and exit feel irrelevant. The interior continues the theme of organic form, using stretched canvas as formwork for the concrete and creating tree-like structures throughout.

Buckets: Landscape, long, concrete, cladding, exterior space

Baldwin House by Arthur Erickson

A post and beam masterpiece alongside Deer Lake. The structure doubling as interior decoration opens up creative opportunities for light. Clerestory windows, massive skylights, and airy spaces allow the surrounding scenery to act as wallpaper throughout. The textures create a comforting sensation, achieved through imperfection and subtle deviation. Unfortunately, the home lacks ongoing support, go have a look while it still exists!

Buckets: Post and beam, clerestory windows, skylights, douglas fir, material, texture

BC Housing Designs by Leckie Studio

These projects aren't built yet, but I wish they were. These modular designs by Leckie Studio are approachable, with strong design characteristics. They address the housing needs the city faces today through design efficiency, condensing the spaces we don't need, and opening up the ones we cherish.

Buckets: ADU, modular, multi-generation, vertical wood