A private residence perched upon a rocky outcrop in Whistler
One of the earliest sketches, showing a floating roof over spaces carved into and growing out of the existing rockSketches recording site experiences made during the initial competition visit informed the project throughoutThe simple act of enclosing the Rock’s crest with a roof captures a space that frames panoramic viewsSketch of the main living volume during design development post-competition
This project is the winning design for an invited competition to build an exceptional private residence in the Canadian mountain resort of Whistler. This exemplary new-build family home is perched upon a distinctive rocky outcrop above Alta Lake, across which it enjoys beautiful views of the surrounding mountain range. Considering how to approach this challenging topography, we recalled a passage from the American architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1932 autobiography: ‘No house should ever be on a hill or on anything. It should be of the hill. Belonging to it. Hill and house should live together, each the happier for the other.’ This would become the founding principle of the design.
Our proposal sought to reconcile several contradictions: expansive views and living spaces while maintaining a sense of intimacy; maximising inhabitable area while maintaining an understated appearance from public view.
Geometries of the house are set out according to existing landscape contours, trees and key views
1:50 scale developed design model1:200 scale concept model1:100 scale design development model1:50 scale competition model – east elevation1:50 scale competition model – main view
The main living areas, with a unifying timber slatted ceiling defining different spacesView of Alta Lake from the main living area with the Rock’s crest in the foregroundInterior view at the main entranceThe bottom of the main stair, with route to basement areas concealedThe main living area, bound by a two-sided fireplace and double-height lantern
A sculpture gallery along a corridor culminates in a double-height hall carved into the rockThe entrance hall, evoking qualities of being within the rocky landscapeA long, gentle ascent transitions from dark to light towards the main living areasLiving area materials: boardmarked concrete, timber ribbed ceiling and joinery, brass handrail and cast glass internal lightThe inside-outside dining area, with expansive landscape viewsView from the main living area towards the pool and guest houseThe base of a stairwell connecting all floors of the main houseA key landing at the junction of two stairs with a continuous brass handrail; note the bespoke brass door handle cast from a pear and used throughout the houseA stair forms part of the main circulation in the timber-lined upper volumeViews of nearby trees from a corridor within the guest house lantern, lined in local hemlock
The master bathroom forms part of one of the house’s lanternsGlimpses of the master bedroom from its walk-in wardrobeThe study lantern, with blue-stained joineryThe main kitchen is immersed in a woodland settingThe main living areas feel like they are part of a series of terraces leading up to the crest of the existing rock
View of The Rock from Whistler’s Lakeside ParkThe bold end elevation of the study volume, with a firepit sculpture on the pool terraceA panoramic roof terrace above the main living areas offers yet another perspective
The guest house, with its reflection in the poolThe pool and hot tub form part of connecting terraces between main and guest housesSteam rising from the hot tub in the morning sunView of The Rock catching late afternoon sun from across Alta Lake
Living in The Rock is a special experience… Many architects, through their work, create art and alter environments. A few, like Gort Scott, transform lives.
Private client
An early sketch showing the base of the main stair rising from a space carved into the rockThe main stair retraces contours of the existing landscapeInterior sketch describing the look and feel of the music roomInterior sketch showing the view towards the guest house from the main living areaEarly interior sketch of the study lantern
Film by Tapio Snellman
The design evolved from a sensitive site analysis involving deep appreciation of the site’s natural beauty, which was explored at the outset through time spent on-site in different weather conditions and times of the day; sketching and observing the changing light.
The project comprises a main residence, guest-house, and outdoor pool within a series of landscaped levels cut into and built out of the rock. Gort Scott also designed the high-end interiors including bespoke fittings.
View of Alta Lake from the main living area with the Rock’s crest in the foreground