Olson Kundig has completed the design of the Tofino Beach House that creates a connection between the drama of the nearby ocean and the protection provided by the trees. The house is 2,500 square feet consisting of one large room, it is also filled with light on the south side facing the sea, and isolated and protected on the other side.
Perched majestically on the westernmost edge of Vancouver Island, Tofino is one of Canada’s favorite recreational destinations, where extreme weather conditions attract surfers and storm watchers year-round. The use of glass walls opens the living room to beautiful forest and sea views, while two fireplaces at either end anchor the space and provide a cozy feeling of refuge.
The expansive landscaping provides space for ferns and beach salal trees to grow beneath a glass floor that extends around the perimeter of the main room, giving the impression of floating above the forest floor.
Interior Design
The warm, earthy tones of the interiors are inspired by Tofino’s coastal forests, and are accentuated by pieces from a striking contemporary art collection. Artwork is part of the home’s design, with a custom-designed fireplace wall to match paintings by Sam Francis and Diego Singh. Almost all of the furnishings were custom-designed by Jim Olson, including a walnut sofa built into the fireplace that anchors the interior. A tight cedar ceiling in the family room and rich walnut cabinetry in the open kitchen in the rear provide a warm, earthy feel, which extends to the rear bedroom with its dark teak paneling. Here, views to the elevated deck and long, reflective swimming pool offer a second chance to see the water and the forest.
From the Architect,
“The emphasis was not on framing a single focal point, but rather on capturing the expansive ocean views. The roof is supported only by two chimneys on either side of the living room, giving the impression of a floating roof. There are no columns or interior structural systems to obstruct the view; instead, it feels like you are outside in a large open space with two cozy fire pits at either end.”
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architect: Olson Kundig
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