" Permeability and openness are dominant design themes throughout the house ."
INTERIORS & INTERIOR DESIGN
Permeability and openness are dominant design themes throughout the house . The porosity of the front façade is a friendly gesture to the street , and a glazed rear elevation connects the family to the surrounding environment , blurring the boundary between interior and exterior space . The rear facade ' s protruding and extending volumes form sheltered and covered zones , delineating outdoor areas with differing character . A wide deck across the back of the house effectively doubles the living / dining area in temperate months , becoming a generous outdoor room for dining , reading and relaxation .
On the interior adjacent to the backyard , a doubleheight atrium with a fully-glazed wall provides an expansive view of the neighbourhood ’ s mature trees , inviting natural light deep into the interior and magnifying the grandeur of this – in truth – modest space . Central to the atrium is a sculptural staircase defined by a solid balustrade of white oak and Baltic birch . “ The stair ’ s scissor configuration forms a compelling and dynamic three-dimensional geometric composition , animated by the procession of figures as they ascend and descend between the different levels of the house ,” explains principal Heather Dubbeldam . " We wanted the design of the stair to impart a sense of craftsmanship , while also evoking a feeling of movement and energy . This is achieved through a distinct wood grain on a diagonal , and the monolithic nature of the stair guard ."
Overlap and the blurring of boundaries continues throughout the interior . Just as the varied planes on the exterior hint at different internal functions , the interior ’ s volumetric shifts are emphasized by changes in ceiling height , materials , and colours at the transitions . These intentional changes create a heightened awareness of the spatial shifts within the house . In the double height space , projecting second storey bedrooms create recessed areas for the kitchen and living room below , while a woodclad ceiling treatment extends from the staircase to the foyer , defining the edge of one of the internal volumes . Walls painted in shades of grey-blue serve as further defining elements against the white walls and oak flooring .
The house employs many sustainable systems . Strategically placed operable windows maximize passive cooling and natural ventilation , while a small pump powers the radiant in-floor heating system . Photovoltaic panels on the roof provide an additional source of electricity while LED light fixtures and an efficient high-velocity cooling system reduce electricity demand . Green roofs and robust landscaping minimize rainwater run-off , and triple glazing and low-E coatings reduce both heat gain and loss . Visually impactful , Shift House is also environmentally responsible .
dubbeldam . ca
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