design folio

Shaw House by Patkau Architects

Sophie Burton - Tuesday, May 08, 2012

















This small waterfront residence is located on a decidedly narrow section (10 metres wide by 47 metres deep) on the south shore of English Bay, Vancouver. Designed by local firm, Patkau Architects, the house was designed with a single occupant in mind. Due to the narrow site restrictions, the architects used generous ceiling heights to open rooms up, while the unusual location of the lap pool lets light pass through into the lower level passageways and outdoor area, making for an impressive entrance to this waterfront abode. Due to Vancouver's status as an area of high seismic risk, the house is constructed almost entirely of reinforced concrete, while muted colours and materials are used throughout the house in order to keep spaces light and airy.