Shaw Island House - San Juan Islands, USA

A 2,000 sq ft full-time residence based on the Still House system, completed in 2011.

The elongated layout on two floors was selected to reduce construction costs, and provide a view for almost every room in the house to the pond below and the ocean in the distance to the North. The shallow depth of the plan and abundant windows on the South side allows direct light to penetrate deep into the interior.The post-and-beam construction system permitted continuous windows on the lower level, creating a stong connection with the surrounding forest. This combined with an open floor plan and eleven foot high ceilings creates a spacious interior, while the predominantly wood finishes produces a feeling of sheltered intimacy. Covered Terraces on the South and West sides are flush with the interior floor and extend the conection between the Living level and the landscape. The pre-finished Douglas fir post-and-beam structure was prefabricated, and assembled on site in eight days, with four framers and a fork lift truck. The purlins, fir decking and roof were also finished at the same time providing a quick umbrella to complete the remainder of the house. The generous overhanging roof on all sides ensures a water tight exterior, and a minimum of exterior maintanence for the cedar siding.

Shaw Island House - San Juan Islands, USA

A 2,000 sq ft full-time residence based on the Still House system, completed in 2011.

The elongated layout on two floors was selected to reduce construction costs, and provide a view for almost every room in the house to the pond below and the ocean in the distance to the North. The shallow depth of the plan and abundant windows on the South side allows direct light to penetrate deep into the interior.The post-and-beam construction system permitted continuous windows on the lower level, creating a stong connection with the surrounding forest. This combined with an open floor plan and eleven foot high ceilings creates a spacious interior, while the predominantly wood finishes produces a feeling of sheltered intimacy. Covered Terraces on the South and West sides are flush with the interior floor and extend the conection between the Living level and the landscape. The pre-finished Douglas fir post-and-beam structure was prefabricated, and assembled on site in eight days, with four framers and a fork lift truck. The purlins, fir decking and roof were also finished at the same time providing a quick umbrella to complete the remainder of the house. The generous overhanging roof on all sides ensures a water tight exterior, and a minimum of exterior maintanence for the cedar siding.

Shaw Island House - San Juan Islands, USA

A 2,000 sq ft full-time residence based on the Still House system, completed in 2011.

The elongated layout on two floors was selected to reduce construction costs, and provide a view for almost every room in the house to the pond below and the ocean in the distance to the North. The shallow depth of the plan and abundant windows on the South side allows direct light to penetrate deep into the interior.The post-and-beam construction system permitted continuous windows on the lower level, creating a stong connection with the surrounding forest. This combined with an open floor plan and eleven foot high ceilings creates a spacious interior, while the predominantly wood finishes produces a feeling of sheltered intimacy. Covered Terraces on the South and West sides are flush with the interior floor and extend the conection between the Living level and the landscape. The pre-finished Douglas fir post-and-beam structure was prefabricated, and assembled on site in eight days, with four framers and a fork lift truck. The purlins, fir decking and roof were also finished at the same time providing a quick umbrella to complete the remainder of the house. The generous overhanging roof on all sides ensures a water tight exterior, and a minimum of exterior maintanence for the cedar siding.

Shaw Island House - San Juan Islands, USA

A 2,000 sq ft full-time residence based on the Still House system, completed in 2011.

The elongated layout on two floors was selected to reduce construction costs, and provide a view for almost every room in the house to the pond below and the ocean in the distance to the North. The shallow depth of the plan and abundant windows on the South side allows direct light to penetrate deep into the interior.The post-and-beam construction system permitted continuous windows on the lower level, creating a stong connection with the surrounding forest. This combined with an open floor plan and eleven foot high ceilings creates a spacious interior, while the predominantly wood finishes produces a feeling of sheltered intimacy. Covered Terraces on the South and West sides are flush with the interior floor and extend the conection between the Living level and the landscape. The pre-finished Douglas fir post-and-beam structure was prefabricated, and assembled on site in eight days, with four framers and a fork lift truck. The purlins, fir decking and roof were also finished at the same time providing a quick umbrella to complete the remainder of the house. The generous overhanging roof on all sides ensures a water tight exterior, and a minimum of exterior maintanence for the cedar siding.

Shaw Island House - San Juan Islands, USA

A 2,000 sq ft full-time residence based on the Still House system, completed in 2011.

The elongated layout on two floors was selected to reduce construction costs, and provide a view for almost every room in the house to the pond below and the ocean in the distance to the North. The shallow depth of the plan and abundant windows on the South side allows direct light to penetrate deep into the interior.The post-and-beam construction system permitted continuous windows on the lower level, creating a stong connection with the surrounding forest. This combined with an open floor plan and eleven foot high ceilings creates a spacious interior, while the predominantly wood finishes produces a feeling of sheltered intimacy. Covered Terraces on the South and West sides are flush with the interior floor and extend the conection between the Living level and the landscape. The pre-finished Douglas fir post-and-beam structure was prefabricated, and assembled on site in eight days, with four framers and a fork lift truck. The purlins, fir decking and roof were also finished at the same time providing a quick umbrella to complete the remainder of the house. The generous overhanging roof on all sides ensures a water tight exterior, and a minimum of exterior maintanence for the cedar siding.

Secret Cove House - Sunshine Coast -West View

2,500 sq ft part-time home, to be completed in 2012.

The house is located on the North side of a narrow ravine with a view of Georgia Straight to the West. Boat access to the house from below will be used as much as the road access at the upper level. The Upper Floor is organized into two distinct wings of Living, Dining, Kitchen and Master Bedroom & Bath, with a central skylit Breezeway between. The generous West Deck is continuous with the East Entry Terrace through the Breezeway which feels like an indoor/outdoor space. The pivotal breezeway also connects the Upper Floor to the Lower Floor Den, Bedrooms and Bathrooms, with a stair directly between the Upper and Lower Floor Entrances. The palette of construction materials was limited to limestone plaster, stone, Douglas fir, and zinc, with conventional wood framing. The main walls of the house are given a monolithic quality with the use of a smooth plaster that continues from inside to outside. Basaltina stone flooring throughout is continuous with the same material on the terraces. All ceilings and soffits are in slatted Douglas fir, including the wave-form ceilings of the Upper Floor wings.The window frames and sliding doors are also made of fir. This warm wood interior is further enhanced with generous fir panelling and built-in cabinetry.

Secret Cove House - Sunshine Coast - SW View

2,500 sq ft part-time home, to be completed in 2012.

The house is located on the North side of a narrow ravine with a view of Georgia Straight to the West. Boat access to the house from below will be used as much as the road access at the upper level. The Upper Floor is organized into two distinct wings of Living, Dining, Kitchen and Master Bedroom & Bath, with a central skylit Breezeway between. The generous West Deck is continuous with the East Entry Terrace through the Breezeway which feels like an indoor/outdoor space. The pivotal breezeway also connects the Upper Floor to the Lower Floor Den, Bedrooms and Bathrooms, with a stair directly between the Upper and Lower Floor Entrances. The palette of construction materials was limited to limestone plaster, stone, Douglas fir, and zinc, with conventional wood framing. The main walls of the house are given a monolithic quality with the use of a smooth plaster that continues from inside to outside. Basaltina stone flooring throughout is continuous with the same material on the terraces. All ceilings and soffits are in slatted Douglas fir, including the wave-form ceilings of the Upper Floor wings.The window frames and sliding doors are also made of fir. This warm wood interior is further enhanced with generous fir panelling and built-in cabinetry.

Secret Cove House - Sunshine Coast - West Deck

2,500 sq ft part-time home, to be completed in 2012.

The house is located on the North side of a narrow ravine with a view of Georgia Straight to the West. Boat access to the house from below will be used as much as the road access at the upper level. The Upper Floor is organized into two distinct wings of Living, Dining, Kitchen and Master Bedroom & Bath, with a central skylit Breezeway between. The generous West Deck is continuous with the East Entry Terrace through the Breezeway which feels like an indoor/outdoor space. The pivotal breezeway also connects the Upper Floor to the Lower Floor Den, Bedrooms and Bathrooms, with a stair directly between the Upper and Lower Floor Entrances. The palette of construction materials was limited to limestone plaster, stone, Douglas fir, and zinc, with conventional wood framing. The main walls of the house are given a monolithic quality with the use of a smooth plaster that continues from inside to outside. Basaltina stone flooring throughout is continuous with the same material on the terraces. All ceilings and soffits are in slatted Douglas fir, including the wave-form ceilings of the Upper Floor wings.The window frames and sliding doors are also made of fir. This warm wood interior is further enhanced with generous fir panelling and built-in cabinetry.

Secret Cove House - Sunshine Coast - South Elev.

2,500 sq ft part-time home, to be completed in 2012.

The house is located on the North side of a narrow ravine with a view of Georgia Straight to the West. Boat access to the house from below will be used as much as the road access at the upper level. The Upper Floor is organized into two distinct wings of Living, Dining, Kitchen and Master Bedroom & Bath, with a central skylit Breezeway between. The generous West Deck is continuous with the East Entry Terrace through the Breezeway which feels like an indoor/outdoor space. The pivotal breezeway also connects the Upper Floor to the Lower Floor Den, Bedrooms and Bathrooms, with a stair directly between the Upper and Lower Floor Entrances. The palette of construction materials was limited to limestone plaster, stone, Douglas fir, and zinc, with conventional wood framing. The main walls of the house are given a monolithic quality with the use of a smooth plaster that continues from inside to outside. Basaltina stone flooring throughout is continuous with the same material on the terraces. All ceilings and soffits are in slatted Douglas fir, including the wave-form ceilings of the Upper Floor wings.The window frames and sliding doors are also made of fir. This warm wood interior is further enhanced with generous fir panelling and built-in cabinetry.

Secret Cove House - Sunshine Coast - West Elev.

2,500 sq ft part-time home, to be completed in 2012.

The house is located on the North side of a narrow ravine with a view of Georgia Straight to the West. Boat access to the house from below will be used as much as the road access at the upper level. The Upper Floor is organized into two distinct wings of Living, Dining, Kitchen and Master Bedroom & Bath, with a central skylit Breezeway between. The generous West Deck is continuous with the East Entry Terrace through the Breezeway which feels like an indoor/outdoor space. The pivotal breezeway also connects the Upper Floor to the Lower Floor Den, Bedrooms and Bathrooms, with a stair directly between the Upper and Lower Floor Entrances. The palette of construction materials was limited to limestone plaster, stone, Douglas fir, and zinc, with conventional wood framing. The main walls of the house are given a monolithic quality with the use of a smooth plaster that continues from inside to outside. Basaltina stone flooring throughout is continuous with the same material on the terraces. All ceilings and soffits are in slatted Douglas fir, including the wave-form ceilings of the Upper Floor wings.The window frames and sliding doors are also made of fir. This warm wood interior is further enhanced with generous fir panelling and built-in cabinetry.

Secret Cove House - Sunshine Coast - M. Bedroom

2,500 sq ft part-time home, to be completed in 2012.

The house is located on the North side of a narrow ravine with a view of Georgia Straight to the West. Boat access to the house from below will be used as much as the road access at the upper level. The Upper Floor is organized into two distinct wings of Living, Dining, Kitchen and Master Bedroom & Bath, with a central skylit Breezeway between. The generous West Deck is continuous with the East Entry Terrace through the Breezeway which feels like an indoor/outdoor space. The pivotal breezeway also connects the Upper Floor to the Lower Floor Den, Bedrooms and Bathrooms, with a stair directly between the Upper and Lower Floor Entrances. The palette of construction materials was limited to limestone plaster, stone, Douglas fir, and zinc, with conventional wood framing. The main walls of the house are given a monolithic quality with the use of a smooth plaster that continues from inside to outside. Basaltina stone flooring throughout is continuous with the same material on the terraces. All ceilings and soffits are in slatted Douglas fir, including the wave-form ceilings of the Upper Floor wings.The window frames and sliding doors are also made of fir. This warm wood interior is further enhanced with generous fir panelling and built-in cabinetry.

Secret Cove House - Sunshine Coast - M. BR./Bath

2,500 sq ft part-time home, to be completed in 2012.

The house is located on the North side of a narrow ravine with a view of Georgia Straight to the West. Boat access to the house from below will be used as much as the road access at the upper level. The Upper Floor is organized into two distinct wings of Living, Dining, Kitchen and Master Bedroom & Bath, with a central skylit Breezeway between. The generous West Deck is continuous with the East Entry Terrace through the Breezeway which feels like an indoor/outdoor space. The pivotal breezeway also connects the Upper Floor to the Lower Floor Den, Bedrooms and Bathrooms, with a stair directly between the Upper and Lower Floor Entrances. The palette of construction materials was limited to limestone plaster, stone, Douglas fir, and zinc, with conventional wood framing. The main walls of the house are given a monolithic quality with the use of a smooth plaster that continues from inside to outside. Basaltina stone flooring throughout is continuous with the same material on the terraces. All ceilings and soffits are in slatted Douglas fir, including the wave-form ceilings of the Upper Floor wings.The window frames and sliding doors are also made of fir. This warm wood interior is further enhanced with generous fir panelling and built-in cabinetry.

Secret Cove House - Sunshine Coast - Foyer-Living

2,500 sq ft part-time home, to be completed in 2012.

The house is located on the North side of a narrow ravine with a view of Georgia Straight to the West. Boat access to the house from below will be used as much as the road access at the upper level. The Upper Floor is organized into two distinct wings of Living, Dining, Kitchen and Master Bedroom & Bath, with a central skylit Breezeway between. The generous West Deck is continuous with the East Entry Terrace through the Breezeway which feels like an indoor/outdoor space. The pivotal breezeway also connects the Upper Floor to the Lower Floor Den, Bedrooms and Bathrooms, with a stair directly between the Upper and Lower Floor Entrances. The palette of construction materials was limited to limestone plaster, stone, Douglas fir, and zinc, with conventional wood framing. The main walls of the house are given a monolithic quality with the use of a smooth plaster that continues from inside to outside. Basaltina stone flooring throughout is continuous with the same material on the terraces. All ceilings and soffits are in slatted Douglas fir, including the wave-form ceilings of the Upper Floor wings.The window frames and sliding doors are also made of fir. This warm wood interior is further enhanced with generous fir panelling and built-in cabinetry.

Secret Cove House - Sunshine Coast - Living Wing

2,500 sq ft part-time home, to be completed in 2012.

The house is located on the North side of a narrow ravine with a view of Georgia Straight to the West. Boat access to the house from below will be used as much as the road access at the upper level. The Upper Floor is organized into two distinct wings of Living, Dining, Kitchen and Master Bedroom & Bath, with a central skylit Breezeway between. The generous West Deck is continuous with the East Entry Terrace through the Breezeway which feels like an indoor/outdoor space. The pivotal breezeway also connects the Upper Floor to the Lower Floor Den, Bedrooms and Bathrooms, with a stair directly between the Upper and Lower Floor Entrances. The palette of construction materials was limited to limestone plaster, stone, Douglas fir, and zinc, with conventional wood framing. The main walls of the house are given a monolithic quality with the use of a smooth plaster that continues from inside to outside. Basaltina stone flooring throughout is continuous with the same material on the terraces. All ceilings and soffits are in slatted Douglas fir, including the wave-form ceilings of the Upper Floor wings.The window frames and sliding doors are also made of fir. This warm wood interior is further enhanced with generous fir panelling and built-in cabinetry.

Secret Cove House - Sunshine Coast - Stair-Foyer

2,500 sq ft part-time home, to be completed in 2012.

The house is located on the North side of a narrow ravine with a view of Georgia Straight to the West. Boat access to the house from below will be used as much as the road access at the upper level. The Upper Floor is organized into two distinct wings of Living, Dining, Kitchen and Master Bedroom & Bath, with a central skylit Breezeway between. The generous West Deck is continuous with the East Entry Terrace through the Breezeway which feels like an indoor/outdoor space. The pivotal breezeway also connects the Upper Floor to the Lower Floor Den, Bedrooms and Bathrooms, with a stair directly between the Upper and Lower Floor Entrances. The palette of construction materials was limited to limestone plaster, stone, Douglas fir, and zinc, with conventional wood framing. The main walls of the house are given a monolithic quality with the use of a smooth plaster that continues from inside to outside. Basaltina stone flooring throughout is continuous with the same material on the terraces. All ceilings and soffits are in slatted Douglas fir, including the wave-form ceilings of the Upper Floor wings.The window frames and sliding doors are also made of fir. This warm wood interior is further enhanced with generous fir panelling and built-in cabinetry.

Secret Cove House - Sunshine Coast - Living Wing

2,500 sq ft part-time home, to be completed in 2012.

The house is located on the North side of a narrow ravine with a view of Georgia Straight to the West. Boat access to the house from below will be used as much as the road access at the upper level. The Upper Floor is organized into two distinct wings of Living, Dining, Kitchen and Master Bedroom & Bath, with a central skylit Breezeway between. The generous West Deck is continuous with the East Entry Terrace through the Breezeway which feels like an indoor/outdoor space. The pivotal breezeway also connects the Upper Floor to the Lower Floor Den, Bedrooms and Bathrooms, with a stair directly between the Upper and Lower Floor Entrances. The palette of construction materials was limited to limestone plaster, stone, Douglas fir, and zinc, with conventional wood framing. The main walls of the house are given a monolithic quality with the use of a smooth plaster that continues from inside to outside. Basaltina stone flooring throughout is continuous with the same material on the terraces. All ceilings and soffits are in slatted Douglas fir, including the wave-form ceilings of the Upper Floor wings.The window frames and sliding doors are also made of fir. This warm wood interior is further enhanced with generous fir panelling and built-in cabinetry.

Secret Cove House - Sunshine Coast - Lower Terrace

2,500 sq ft part-time home, to be completed in 2012.

The house is located on the North side of a narrow ravine with a view of Georgia Straight to the West. Boat access to the house from below will be used as much as the road access at the upper level. The Upper Floor is organized into two distinct wings of Living, Dining, Kitchen and Master Bedroom & Bath, with a central skylit Breezeway between. The generous West Deck is continuous with the East Entry Terrace through the Breezeway which feels like an indoor/outdoor space. The pivotal breezeway also connects the Upper Floor to the Lower Floor Den, Bedrooms and Bathrooms, with a stair directly between the Upper and Lower Floor Entrances. The palette of construction materials was limited to limestone plaster, stone, Douglas fir, and zinc, with conventional wood framing. The main walls of the house are given a monolithic quality with the use of a smooth plaster that continues from inside to outside. Basaltina stone flooring throughout is continuous with the same material on the terraces. All ceilings and soffits are in slatted Douglas fir, including the wave-form ceilings of the Upper Floor wings.The window frames and sliding doors are also made of fir. This warm wood interior is further enhanced with generous fir panelling and built-in cabinetry.

Wing House Schematic Design - Gabriola Island

Preliminary design of a 1,850 sq ft Showhome for a new development of 50 view sites - 2009

This house consists of a solid masonry back wall on the access side, anchoring a timber frame post-and-beam roof structure, with a glass wall facing the view. Clerestory windows between the back wall and the roof reduces the sense of enclosure, gives the ceiling a floating quality, and provides daylight. The flanking wings of the house define and embrace an outdoor space facing the view for a terrace, swimming pool or garden. All interior spaces are focused onto the outdoor space and the view beyond.

Wing House Schematic Design - Gabriola Island

Preliminary design of a 1,850 sq ft Showhome for a new development of 50 view sites - 2009

This house consists of a solid masonry back wall on the access side, anchoring a timber frame post-and-beam roof structure, with a glass wall facing the view. Clerestory windows between the back wall and the roof reduces the sense of enclosure, gives the ceiling a floating quality, and provides daylight. The flanking wings of the house define and embrace an outdoor space facing the view for a terrace, swimming pool or garden. All interior spaces are focused onto the outdoor space and the view beyond.

Still House Prototype

The Still House is a partially pre-fabricated heavy-timber post and beam prototype for single family homes. The prototype was first introduced in 2006 to simplify the the process of producing quality custom homes in rural and recreational locales.

Please open to the files below for complete information.

Still House Catalogue of Model Types.

        Level Still House Catalogue.pdf

Shaw Island Still House heavy timber assembly photos.

        Shaw Island timber assembly.pdf

Shaw Island Still House construction photos.

        Shaw Island construction photos.pdf

Gambier Island Still House drawings.

        Gambier Island drawings.pdf

Sandy Hook Still House drawings.

        Sandy Hook drawings.pdf

Still House - Prototype model ''A''

Please see the first page in the Architecture Category for further information on the Still House.

1000 Pender Street - Vancouver

A 10,000 sq ft development of 10 townhouse units consisting of three front-to-back duplexes and four townhouses, defining a central courtyard. Completed in 2002.

Charles Place at Nanaimo Street - Vancouver

A 22,000 sq ft development consisting of 8 commercial units and parking on the ground level, with 14 townhouse units on the second level, with a central access courtyard. Completed in 2004.

1639 West 2nd Ave - Vancouver

A 24,000 sq ft office development consisting of light industrial and office uses, accessed from an outdoor courtyard and covered walkways, with underground parking. Completed in 1994.

Fishtrap Creek Park - Entry Pier - Abbotsford, BC

Fishtrap Creek Park is a stormwater retention area designed by Landscape Architect Catherine Berris. Within the park are 6 structures including an Entry Pier, Bridge, Reading Shelter, Picnic Shelter, Railway Observation Deck, and a Boardwalk. Completed in 1995.

Fishtrap Creek Park - Entry Pier - Abbotsford, BC

Fishtrap Creek Park is a stormwater retention area designed by Landscape Architect Catherine Berris. Within the park are 6 structures including an Entry Pier, Bridge, Reading Shelter, Picnic Shelter, Railway Observation Deck, and a Boardwalk. Completed in 1995.

Fishtrap Creek Park - Picnic Shelter - Abbotsford, BC

Fishtrap Creek Park is a stormwater retention area designed by Landscape Architect Catherine Berris. Within the park are 6 structures including an Entry Pier, Bridge, Reading Shelter, Picnic Shelter, Railway Observation Deck, and a Boardwalk. Completed in 1995.

Fishtrap Creek Park - Picnic Shelter - Abbotsford, BC

Fishtrap Creek Park is a stormwater retention area designed by Landscape Architect Catherine Berris. Within the park are 6 structures including an Entry Pier, Bridge, Reading Shelter, Picnic Shelter, Railway Observation Deck, and a Boardwalk. Completed in 1995.

Pardon Services Canada - Office Interior- Vancouver

A 2,500 sq ft office for a legal company. Completed in 2013.

Pardon Services Canada - Office Interior- Vancouver

A 2,500 sq ft office for a legal company. Completed in 2013.

Pardon Services Canada - Office Interior- Vancouver

A 2,500 sq ft office for a legal company. Completed in 2013.

Pardon Services Canada - Office Interior- Vancouver

A 2,500 sq ft office for a legal company. Completed in 2013.

Pardon Services Canada - Office Interior- Vancouver

A 2,500 sq ft office for a legal company. Completed in 2013.

HRD Technologies - Office Interior- Vancouver

A 5,500 sq ft office for a software development company. Completed in 2001.

HRD Technologies - Office Interior- Vancouver

A 5,500 sq ft office for a software development company. Completed in 2001.

Launchworks - Office Interior- Vancouver

A 3,500 sq ft office for a venture capital company. Completed in 2000.

Launchworks - Office Interior- Vancouver

A 3,500 sq ft office for a venture capital company. Completed in 2000.

Blenheim Street - Residential Interior- Vancouver

The project consisted of built-in cabinetry, furniture, and a wall mounted gas fireplace. Completed in 2003.

Blenheim Street - Residential Interior- Vancouver

The project consisted of built-in cabinetry, furniture, and a wall mounted gas fireplace. Completed in 2003.

West Georgia Study - Residential Interior- Vancouver

The project consisted of built-in cabinetry for a doctor's home office. Completed in 2000.

22 Live-work Lofts - Residential Interior- Vancouver

The project consisted of 22 different loft designs for a new Live-work Artist Studio building totalling 10,000 sq ft. Completed in 2004.

22 Live-work Lofts - Residential Interior- Vancouver

The project consisted of 22 different loft designs for a new Live-work Artist Studio building totalling 10,000 sq ft. Completed in 2004.