ISLAND RANCH

Situated on one of the Discovery Islands up the coast from Vancouver, this new build guest accommodation was influenced by western ranch vernacular. The surrounding flat landscape of the lot reinforced that language, resulting in a low structure that opens up directly to the outdoors from every space. The client’s desire for a pared-back, nomadic escape from the city further broke down the barriers between inside and out, particularly with an outdoor shower and bath, allowing guests to experience a more basic approach to living. The palette was kept minimal and consistent from the exterior to the interior as a way to blur the building’s envelope. The materials were selected to embrace and express exposure to the outdoors, becoming one with the surroundings. Furnishings were approached with durability in mind, to encourage a carefree atmosphere, while evoking familiar forms found on a farmstead. The outcome is a place of gathering, relaxation, and connection with the land.

Architecture by Laura Killam Architecture

Photography by Andrew Latreille