This two-story contemporary residence in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada, is a remarkable project completed by Vancouver-based design studio Battersby Howat Architects.
The owners of the home wanted a contemporary dwelling for seven, with a design that would take its inspiration from the “timber structures characteristic of a Whistler Chalet”, Whistler being a resort town situated in an amazing environment, with breathtaking landscapes.
Unsurprisingly, the house was dubbed the Whistler Residence, and the architects managed to do exactly what the owners required. Even though quite large, the house seems very modest in size, thanks to some architectural and topographic tricks, such as the strategic removal of the bedrock in order to make part of the building appear to be below grade.
Photos by: Sama Jim Canzian
Ah, “strategic removal of bedrock” to hide half a mansion. Because nothing says modest like burying half your house under expensive dirt. Classic Whistler logic: spend millions to look humble.
Haha, well spotted! It’s a clever nod to Whistler’s mountainous terrain. We aimed to keep the structure grounded and respectful to the landscape, letting the architecture blend rather than dominate. The “humble” aesthetic certainly has its price tag, but the result is a serene retreat.