Tilt House

A dramatically sloping site with expansive views across the Okanagan Valley plays host to the Tilt House.  The core element of the building is a simple block that ‘tilts’ with the site. The block geometry functions as a ‘shroud’, creating privacy to the north, east, and south neighbours while opening up to the west views and light. Programmatic ‘boxes’ are pushed through the block to introduce variety and break up the building massing. An accessory dwelling  takes cues from the main house ‘DNA’, further reinforcing it and allowing both buildings to sit cohesively together.

The main living area of the house steps down the slope into sunken areas that increase in volume through the procession from entry to gathering space.  An outdoor patio and a master bedroom bookend the shroud and provide covered exterior spaces for the lower level.

A durable material palette of metal and glass provides the functional benefit of wildfire resistance and helps the building form sit comfortably on its rocky site.

Project Info

Type: Residential
Location: Naramata, British Columbia
Structural: Elemental Structural Engineers
Construction: E. Phillips Contracting
Notes:

The minimal entryway is flanked on either side by weathered steel 'boxes'.
Circulation wraps around both sides of the kitchen block.
The sunken living room opens to an outdoor deck and is anchored by a dark monumental fireplace.
The site's lack of a typical front yard led us to design a minimal and austere front elevation.
A dark and intimate wine room is illuminated by a fireplace and a back lit bottle display.
The secret wine room is envisioned as a place to retreat to and focus on the sensory experience of the wine tasting process.
'Tilting' down the slope, the building appears to slide down the rock face.