Ridge House by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson

The US-based architectural firm Bohlin Cywinski Jackson has completed the Ridge House project.

This 6,300 square foot retreat is located along the crest of a narrow ridge overlooking a broad valley in rural Canada.

Ridge House by Bohlin Cywinski Jackson:

“Stretching along the crest of a narrow ridge overlooking a broad valley, this retreat was conceived as a place for gathering family and friends as well as for personal solitude.

Entering the site through a thick grove of evergreens, the drive turns to reveal the first glimpse of the home’s long, linear core of sawn stone that parallels the ridge and slides under a single-slope roof through a steel-framed glass volume. The stone core, marked by two large fireplace masses, organizes the spaces, with primary circulation along its south face, while gaps in the stone provide access to each of the living spaces. Tall walls of glass blur the boundary between inside and out. The roof projects upward and outward, heightening one’s awareness of the sunlit view to the north. The long south roof overhang provides shading in the summer, while the low winter sun warms the stone core.

Glazed monitors are clipped to the face of both chimneys, washing the stone fireplaces with natural light. Freestanding roof monitors supply light and warmth to spaces within the core. Clear and translucent glass along the south wall creates a play of light and shadow at the circulation spine.

This is a rigorous, empathetic man-made place in the natural world.”