British architecture studio Gort Scott has installed a house on a rocky outcrop in the Canadian mountain resort of Whistler, offering impressive views over Alta Lake.
The Rock is a family home designed to reflect the drama of its setting. Predominantly built from concrete, it incorporates stepped levels intended to echo the experience of traversing the mountainous terrain.
The house is positioned over a rocky outcrop
Living spaces are organised around the crest of the rock, combining a mix of subterranean rooms and airy, light-filled spaces. Expansive windows offer framed views of the lake, while a series of terraces allow the family to spend plenty of time outdoors.
"This journey to the crest of the rock, with its shifting horizons, has been a key driver in the layout and design of the building," explained Gort Scott co-founder Jay Gort. "Although we are placing a significant building on the site, our aim throughout has been retain this experience when walking to and through the house."
The Rock is built from concrete, with some timber cladding
Despite being based on the other side of the world, Gort and partner Fiona Scott landed the commission for The Rock after winning an invited competition.
Their design concept was based around the idea of creating harmony between contradictory characteristics, such as light and dark, and openness and enclosure.
By combining this concept with the particular topography of the site, the architects were able to devel...