Kitsilano House: A Cabin-Like Home in Vancouver by Scott and Scott Architects

In the Vancouver neighbourhood of Kitsilano, Canadian firm Scott and Scott Architects has completed Kitsilano House, a contemporary, cabin-like residence designed for longevity and integration with its leafy, mature oak tree surroundings. The house comprises two distinct volumes: a robust concrete base housing living and dining areas, and a delicate timber 'cabin' beneath a canopy of rhododendrons and magnolias. Clients approached founder David Scott with a desire for a crafted home resembling a family heirloom. Scott aimed for 'gentle strength' and privacy that would be generous to the neighbourhood, as the site is a corridor transitioning from bungalows to denser buildings. The interior features white walls, a clerestory window framing evening sun, and a central core clad in locally sourced Douglas fir. Shelving displays the clients' ceramics. Exterior materials include hand-split cedar siding and fencing, with joinery in solid wood and leather finishes, all intended to age gracefully. The base was formed from boards of the preceding bungalow, and materials were sourced from small mills on Vancouver Island. Scott notes the house celebrates Vancouver's rainy season and spring magnolias, with warmth of wood comforting in winter. The project is featured in Wallpaper, with photography by Thurston Empson.