A Residence on Stilts in the Canadian Forest: The Tofino Beach House

 Tofino, British Columbia, Canada

Architecture & interior design: Olson Kundig

Olson Kundig team: Jim Olson (design principal), Will Kemper (project architect), Christine Burkland (interior design)

Photography © Nic Lehoux

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Jim Olson, FAIA, Design Principal: “Tofino Beach House faces the ocean from the edge of a primeval forest. The house creates a sense of unity with the dramatic setting while also remaining sheltered from ocean winds and warmed by wood walls and two fireplaces.”

Perched on the westernmost edge of Vancouver Island, Tofino is one of Canada’s favorite recreation destinations, where extreme weather conditions draw surfers and storm watchers year round. Nestled in a weather-beaten forest, this 2,500-square-foot beach house creates a connection between the drama of the nearby ocean and the sense of sanctuary provided by the trees. Composed primarily of one large room, the house is light-filled on the south side facing the ocean, and insular and protected on the other side, paneled in dark, rich wood.

Jim Olson, FAIA, Design Principal: "The emphasis was not on framing a single focal point view, but rather on capturing a panoramic view of the ocean beyond. The roof is held up only by the two chimneys on either side of the living space, which gives the feeling of the roof floating. There are no columns or interior structural systems to obscure the panoramic view; instead, it feels almost like you are outdoors in a big open space with two cozy campfires at either end."