BlackCliff House

BlackCliff House is located on a granite rock that rises 40 meters above the shoreline. This location is geographically perfect for a family whose members work and live intermittently on multiple continents. The house has several living areas and connects its residents to the abundant natural character of the surroundings. It was the client’s desire to create a meeting place for current and future generations and still accommodate a smaller family. The home was built to take advantage of several diverse topographical features: views and light were used in the southwest and extreme contours falling to the Salish Sea in the west.

This results in a shifting spatial geometry at the intersection of the main and upper floors that appears as a void in the middle of the environment. The upstairs provides the intimacy of a small family sleeping in a tight core, while still accommodating larger families in the outer wings. These two different parts of the building are connected externally by a shared outdoor terrace. In the center of the home, one can enjoy the balanced light and views into nature. The living spaces on the first floor are connected by outdoor spaces arranged along this cut.

These spaces include, at one end, a painting room floating above a pond near the entrance; a bamboo courtyard next to the family room; an office; and a tea room at the other end of the home. The courtyards provide a deeply layered aesthetic to gain light and air without obstructing views or natural light. The spatial experience of the house is both familiar and somewhat disorienting. Essential and intimate spaces that have a strong connection to the outdoor environment are placed in the core of the house.

The house consists of clean lines and offers beautiful views. The spaces are open, light and empty. There are no distractions, only peace. The reflection of the water in the pool creates a playful effect on the ceiling in different rooms. There is extensive use of natural colors, wood and concrete. The huge glass walls give the idea of a cinema with nature images. Everywhere you look you see nature and immense light. Living in this tranquility, that is truly enjoyable.