Project 32
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This two-storey single-family detached residential dwelling combines traditional form and massing of a timber frame structure alongside expressive and modern design. Without overpowering its historic surroundings, the house distinctly draws attention to natural cedar and fir wood, and wood timber framing elements that are juxtaposed with brick masonry, reflective glass, and dark aluminum features. The material contrast emphasizes warmth of the living and changing wood while radiating visual comfort of wood as a natural and long-lasting, resilient resource.
The front of the house features two thoughtfully crafted wood elements. Firstly, structural flanking timber frame walls made of fir support an asphalt roof. This wood was sourced only 264 km away near Golden, British Columbia, then locally milled. The wood beams sit above concrete knife plates connected by geometrically joining dowels. This innovative design feature prevents moisture wicking and allows for quick drying of the wood, thereby preventing deterioration from standing water. Secondly, cedar shake shingles encase the northwest corner of the house and the southwest entry. The weather resistant horizontally arranged cedar wood shingles are dipped in a dark translucent stain thereby increasing their lifespan and conjuring a visual experience reminiscent of Shou-sugi-ban technique.
The rear of the home further emphasises aesthetic wood elements of the timber frame in the roof over-hang and the ceiling of the outdoor living space. As seen in the front, cedar shake wood shingles line the rear body of the home meeting the concrete base. The diminishing view of non-wood materials creates geometric patterns between the wood elements and second-storey window, mirroring the setback view of the primary second-storey mass. Lastly, a brick masonry wood-burning fireplace creates a living dynamic of ‘home’ in the outdoors by enabling the historic benefits of heating with wood while also extending Calgary’s shoulder seasons, centering outdoor activity below the second-floor massing.
DESIGNER CREDITS
Marvin DeJONG, Architect
Rhonda DeJONG
AWARDS
