Cozy House in Austria Combines Vernacular Design with Modern Comfort

Though its shape is sci-fi, the home feels decidedly down to earth.

This project was commissioned by a couple living in Vancouver who fell in love with Salt Spring Island (as many do) and decided to build their dream home on a beautiful high-bank waterfront lot overlooking views of Sansum Narrows and Vancouver Island beyond. The clients had an affinity for mid-century modern design and requested that the house be reminiscent of that style. As one ascends the driveway an accessory building presents itself containing a garage and studio. A path leads from the accessory building to the house which is nestled into a rocky hill and surrounded by several large arbutus trees. The house is a U shape plan framing a courtyard overlooking the ocean. Living spaces are arranged at the centre or bottom of the U with 2 sleeping wings on either side projecting toward the ocean. Both the house and accessory building are clad in black vertical wood siding and protected by flat roofs with generous overhangs. Large sliding glass doors provide seamless transitions from inside to outside and maximize the natural light. Walnut flooring and cabinetry are featured throughout the home to provide a richness and warmth. This home is a tranquil setting to light a fire, have some wine, and watch the eagles soar in front of a backdrop of pacific north-west magic.

A completely transformative renovation opened this former tract home up to views, light, and its stunning outdoor setting. It’s all about the views, but this residence wasn’t always this way. What is now a metal and cedar stunner situated on a private, hilly enclave above Calabasas, was once a darkly lit 1960s-era generic single family home. A two-year renovation made a total overhaul for an entrepreneur and his wife, empty nesters with kids living nearby. The architect, Brian Wickersham of AUX Architecture in Los Angeles, didn’t change a thing in terms of the home’s footprint and rooflines; he couldn’t. “We initially looked at building a new home, but quickly learned that because of an ancient paleolithic landslide, that the county requirements for restraining the hill would be cost prohibitive and time-consuming—potentially five or more years,” says Wickersham. “Instead, we devised a plan to work within the existing house footprint and building envelope for a project that would be classified as a renovation.” In addition to these parameters, the homeowners tasked him with throwing out all of the old—down to the last salad fork—and bringing in everything new—all the while designing something where they could entertain a growing gaggle of grandkids. The result is a modern home that transitions from indoors to outdoors with the ease this property was intended for. “It’s about striking a balance between modest down-to-earth people and helping them realize they can be living a luxurious lifestyle,” says Wickersham. It’s about them living at a higher level of luxury.” A composition of dark standing seam metal and vertical grain cedar give the appearance of three cut pieces, shifted side-to-side, the wood being the cut face. The cedar siding also carries from outside to in, bringing warmth to the home and reinforcing the inside-outside connection. Solar panels, thermal panels to heat the pool, and a thermally coupled HVAC system enable the home to largely function off-the-grid.