Canada : Elbow River Residence on the Elbow River

 Erlton, Calgary, Alberta, Ca

Architects : Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Bohlin Grauman Miller

Landscape Design : Just Gardens

Photos  ©  Nic Lehoux

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Bohlin Cywinski Jackson :

This modestly scaled house in Calgary’s gentrifying Erlton neighborhood occupies

 a site on the Elbow River with sweeping views of the downtown skyline. The owners,

 both professionals, desired a loft-like living space, open to views of the river and city.

After a devastating flood in 2013 damaged many of the houses on this street, the massing

 responds to the possibility of future flooding by placing the primary spaces on the second

 floor, well above the 100- year flood elevation. Utilitarian spaces including a two-car garage, 

flexible space and laundry are located on  the lower level. Mechanical equipment was

 intentionally  located above  the flood level to minimize  repairs  should  another

 major event occur. Exterior finishes were selected to address the clients desire

 for low maintenance, durable materials in an area that experiences intense

 rain, hail and snow storms and extended frigid winters.

The upper, angular volume containing the living and sleeping spaces is clad in robust

 silver corrugated metal and cantilevers over a solid, rectangular base covered in black

 fiber-cement panels. The roof tilts upward and away from the entry toward the edges

 of the site. Drainage from the roof is gathered at the central trough and directed

 to a basin in the landscape that disperses the water slowly to

 the surrounding landscape.

The east elevation along Erlton Street is deliberately opaque, with horizontal slot windows

 that offer privacy from the busy neighborhood street. The entry is marked by white planes

 that extend through the house to frame views of the garden and river beyond. A steel and

 white  oak  stair clad in silver panels leads to the second level  where  the  ceilings  slope 

upward and the glazed west wall curves in response to a bend in the Elbow River. Living

 room, dining room and kitchen are angled toward long views of the river and skyline. A

 fireplace and custom window seat with bookshelves anchor the northern edge of the

 living space. Behind the kitchen, a shared office and guest suite are located along

 the street. A master suite occupies the southern end of the home, with expansive

 views and generous bath and closet spaces.

The upper, angular volume containing the living and sleeping spaces is clad in robust

 silver corrugated metal and cantilevers over a solid, rectangular base covered in black 

fiber-cement panels. The roof tilts upward and away from the entry toward the edges

 of the site. Drainage from the roof is gathered at the central trough and directed to a

 basin in the landscape that disperses the water slowly to the surrounding landscape.

Along the west elevation, the cantilever is more distinct as the angled forms of the house

 and deck float on slender steel columns. A horizontal steel fin extends above the windows

 to shade the living spaces from the afternoon sun. It folds down at the southern edge

 to become a privacy screen for the master suite.

Modest in size yet bold in spirit, the Elbow River Residence is a direct

 response to its riverside location and rapidly changing urban neighborhood context.

Area : 3690 ft²