Forest House | SMStudio

Set amongst the dense rainforest of Bowen Island, the Forest House is perched upon one of the bedrock outcrops that make up much of the island. The house was designed for a young family of three seeking a lifestyle change who relocated from Vancouver to Bowen Island, which is just an hours commute away. Forest House aims to provide a true sense of place, connecting them to nature, but also providing a refuge from it in the rainy winter months.

The site is organized around two buildings that play off of each other, both with very different programatic requirements. The smaller of the two housing the carport, storage, garbage/ recycling and a studio office and the larger is the dwelling. Careful attention was paid to minimize site impact and give the house a light footprint. The concrete foundation at either end of the house is scribed tight to the granite bedrock, anchoring the house to the site, and allowing it to span between the rocks and float above the ground beneath. In doing so, intrusive and costly blasting was limited.

Perched upon and over the bedrock and oriented to face the western sun exposure, the dwelling feels as if it is in the trees. Large expanses of glazing connect the inhabitants to the outdoors to provide a real sense of place. Carefully placed skylights provide framed views of the treetops above, while also allowing natural light to filter in, as it changes throughout the day.

Natural materials such as Douglas Fir plywood and Western Red Cedar are used throughout the house and reference the native trees of the Island and add a sense of warmth. Interior finishings are minimal and carefully curated to create a neutral palette and a sense of calmness.