Heading: Andrew Pogue
Located on a narrow, rocky knoll and surrounded by an old-growth thicket, the Doe Bay Retreat offers an intimate retreat for the elderly retired owners. The clients came to Heliotrope Architects with a modest budget and a dream of creating a cosy hideaway among the trees. Defined by a triangular, gabled form, the Doe Bay Retreat is made with prefabricated trusses, which allowed for a large spatial volume for a reasonable price.
Part-time residence at a top location
The location on the ridgetop site results in amazing views in all directions: from filtered water views to the south, to the Douglas fir grove to the west, and the valley to the north. The structure also provides vehicle access from the east. Deliberately minimalistic, the 1,450 square feet part-time residence ensures easy maintenance. When away, the residence can be easily locked and secured.
The gable is divided into two distinct volumes, each turning its glazed end toward the distant northern and southern vistas, while the entrance is set at their meeting point. The slightly bent geometry of the plot is used to create a small courtyard and vehicle turnaround. A linear storage shed screens cars to create almost a ceremonial arrival experience.
Doe Bay Retreat’s interior design
The living, dining, and kitchen areas are all located in the south end of the house that open into a massive cantilevered deck. Turned toward the old-growth canopy, the deck provides a captivating view of Rosario Strait. The north of the space houses the private areas, such as the primary suite that opens directly onto the rocky knoll. A restrained material and colour palette highlight the surrounding landscape and the owner’s art collection.
The artworks in the calm, visually quiet interior lend character to the space. Painted in white, black, and dark weathered wood, the limited palette reflects both the owner’s taste and the budget set aside for the project. The use of tall volumes and wide openings visually expands the space. The sense of space is further emphasised with full-height glazing at the gable end. Rhythmically positioned double-hung windows along the east and west walls draw light into the interior while simultaneously disrupting the linearity of the plan, especially along the hallway.
Heliotrope Architects’ design of the Doe Bay Retreat proves that you don’t need a lot of money to create a cosy oasis. The residence provides generous living spaces and a strong connection to nature while taking advantage of the pleasant surroundings.
Technical sheet
Architecture: Heliotrope Architects (Joe Herrin, Tony Salas)
Contractor: Bluebird Builders
Structural Engineer: Swenson Say Faget
Geotechnical Engineer: Stratum Group
Photographer: Andrew Pogue
