Horizontal Gravity

  • West Vancouver, BC
  • 2019
  • Status: Design
  • Scale: Custom Home
  • Client: Private

Project Description:

Horizontal Gravity is located in Sunset Lane, West Vancouver. Gravitational forces considered to create the form are: views to the west showcasing the sunset, views to the south towards mainland Vancouver, and downtown views towards the south east. Sustainability features of the project include using mass-timber structure in combination with a concrete foundation. Form and window openings have been optimized to reduce energy consumption while maintaining views to the surrounding. The owner is considering the building to be built to passive house standards.
The sun does not realize how beautiful it is until after a room is made
Louis Kahn
Multiple iterations of a study on horizontal gravity (view attractors) affecting the form
The minimalistic approach and clean interiors emphasize on the beauty of the surrounding nature. The form is shaped by openings gravitated towards the south and west. The quality views of downtown Vancouver and the ocean are to the south and the mesmerizing sunset views are to the west. The design continues the lineage of the west coast modernism movement.
It is only natural to build out of wood in such an environment. This house utilizes a hybrid timber/concrete structure. The upper level is fabricated from Cross laminated timber (CLT) to harness CLT’s thermal massing and provide a high quality and energy efficient living space. The form provides shading on the south façade glazed areas. Energy efficiency is also balanced by minimizing opening to two sided of the building.
Horizontal Gravity Received two international awards recognition in 2020. A "special mention" from the prestigious Architizer A+ Awards and an "honorable mention" from Loop Design Awards.
The house comprises 5700 square foot of living space including three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a tv room, a dining room, a living room, a lounge area, and two kitchens. The main kitchen and lounge area on the upper floor with views to the pool are suitable for gatherings and the more private areas of the house are located on the lower levels. 
Site plan
Upper floor plan
Lower floor plan
Section
East elevation
South elevation
West elevation
North elevation
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