Canadian studio D'Arcy Jones Architects has designed this clifftop house in Vancouver to be "part look-out tower, part courtyard and part landform".
Slanted walls angled outwards define the top floor of the three-storey Deep Cove House, which then steps down a slope north of downtown Vancouver, across Burrard Inlet on the North Shore.

In contrast to the expanses of glass on the back, the front of the property has no windows to ensure the privacy of the residents.
"The front of the house wears a simple mask, to set a quiet and private tone even though the project is located near a bustling neighbourhood intersection and commercial area," the studio said.
"When you are seated or lying down inside this house, the surrounding suburban context is edited out, so no one can see in, but you can see out towards nature, perfectly."
"Long horizontal windows take advantage of 180-degree views towards an ocean fiord-like inlet, alive with shipping freighters, kayakers and sometimes even whales," the studio said.

The west-facing courtyard is accessed from the kitchen and provides a place to relax in the afternoon sun that is also tucked away from the wind.

The lowest level of the house is smaller than the two upper floors, and contains a gym, sauna, bathroom and mechanical spaces.
Deep Cove House is accompanied by a detached volume that accommodates a pool house and storage for patio furniture and pump equipment.
...