Project: The Rock House
Architects: Gort Scott
Main Contractor: Dürfeld Constructors
Concrete Contractor: Bmak
Landscape Architect: Hapa Collaborative
Structural Engineer: Equilibrium
Millwork Contractor: Leon Lebeniste & Krause Woodworking
Lighting Consultant: EOS Lightmedia
M&E Engineer: MCW Engineers
Location: Whistler, Canada
Year: 2020
Photo credits: Rory Gardiner
The Rock House is a new private home in the Canadian mountain resort of Whistler, designed by London-based architectural practice Gort Scott. Rooted in the landscape, the building comprises a six-bedroom house and a two-bedroom guest house linked by an external terrace. Concrete blades rise from the rocky outcrop, enclosing open-plan living spaces between the dense concrete and a finely crafted timber structure above.
The architectural aspiration for this scheme follows Frank Lloyd Wright’s assertion that: “No house should ever be on a hill. It should be of the hill. Hill and house should live together with each the happier for it”. The experience of the site before construction was an incredible and unique moment for the client; as such the role of the architecture was to enhance the natural setting – revealing its drama and particularities. Rather than overpowering the rock, the architecture deliberately highlights it; mindful of the visual impact, the architecture catches the eye of passers-by and places the rock crest at centre stage. From exterior to interior, and from strategy to detail, this building is designed with human experience in mind.
Internally, the journey through the building honours the original experience of moving through the unbuilt site towards the rock crest. Entering through the concrete lower levels, you are led slowly upwards through interconnected spaces. Along this journey, distinct living zones are designed around family life and positioned according to privacy, celebrated views, solar orientation and topography. Subtle changes in levels and materials demarcate these ‘zones’- including a library, dining space, and kitchen – within the otherwise open-plan space.
The material palette is deliberately refined, subtly varying between polished and board-marked concrete surfaces permitting shadow and light patterns to imbue the interconnected spaces with a series of different atmospheres and engage all the senses. The interior journey culminates in a generous living space at the rock peak, where glimpsed views through dense trees give way to panoramic views across Alta Lake.
Pursuing an ‘architectural expression of self’, the client initiated an invitation-only design competition, seeking a design that embodies: tranquil strength, privacy, respect for nature, human achievement and crucially a ‘harmonisation of contradictions’. Early on, the architects spent a week observing the site – its light, topography, views, and weather extremes – from sunrise to sunset. This deep understanding of site is translated into architecture that synthesises contradictory elements throughout: namely exposure and intimacy; openness and enclosure.
Concrete flows between external and internal surfaces, blurring the boundaries between the dwelling and the landscape. Internally the polished timber, textiles, and integrated fireplaces add visual and sensory warmth, ensuring a sense of intimacy and enclosure. The internal timber linings are locally-sourced Hemlock, specified for reasons of sustainability and to subtly reference the Western Hemlock trees on site; further inviting the landscape to permeate the living spaces.
Sustainable energy strategies and high-quality detailing ensure tranquillity throughout. The envelope is built to Passivhaus standards, and a prefabricated timber panel system for the upper levels ensures utmost quality and environmental performance. Passive climate control strategies address the extreme climate variations without compromising design ambition. At every scale, from the building’s grounding in the landscape, to the minutiae of joinery detailing and bespoke fittings, the home celebrates material expression. Without sacrificing its functionality as an enjoyable family home, the Rock House transforms the site and demonstrates innovative ways of connecting architecture, landscape and the individual.
