Alberta Residence
Most of the new "dream homes" being constructed in this Alberta mountain town are oversized homes in new subdivisions in gated communities many miles
from the lively town center. Our client decided to break these trends with a new home on a small, uniquely-shaped lot just a short walk from downtown.
Taking advantage of unparalleled views and a protected creek to the west, Miller Hull worked closely with the client to create a site-responsive and
compact design that offers a unique way of approaching living in a small mountain town.
A quadrilateral with four unequal sides, the unusual shape of the building is a direct response to the site's allowable building footprint. A wood skin "wrap" defines the building perimeter except for where it playfully wraps into the living room. The "wrap" hangs off the exterior face of the concrete and windows, allowing the thickened wood skin to be insulated with both typical cavity insulation as well as continuous exterior rigid insulation. The super insulated walls, along with triple glazed windows oriented for maximum solar gain, help to keep out the cold Alberta winter air.
The large window openings, including a 20-foot accordion door that can completely open during the warm summer months, frame the surrounding mountain views from the main public area, a combined room for living, cooking and dining. The private rooms take a more sheltered approach with smaller punched window openings. The rooms adjacent to a bike path directly north of the building use high clerestory windows for privacy while still providing plenty of natural daylight.
Currently under construction, the house is expected to be completed in 2012.