Located in the bucolic neighborhood of Upper Lonsdale in North Vancouver, this Container House is a striking blend of the region’s revered west coast modern vernacular and Frank Gehry’s iconic style. A Canadian-born American architect and designer, Gehry is synonymous with sculptural, striking designs that feature rippling façades cladded in metal and glass, to which this home happily pays homage.
Flanked by the serenity of neighboring parkland and a murmuring creek, the house gracefully combines its modern form with an unhindered connection to the lush outdoors. More than 7,000 sqft of District-owned parkland creates permanent privacy to the west of the house, effectively extending outdoor living spaces beyond the recorded lot size.
Its distinctive geometry, defined by four distinct containers, was elevated by a transformative 2013 renovation that introduced corrugated metal cladding as an ode to Gehry’s personal Santa Monica residence. The legendary Gehry Residence, which the architect still owns, is a symbol of iconic modern design, juxtaposing an existing Dutch Colonial with an assemblage of glass, corrugated metal and chain-link fencing.
Gehry Residence. Photography © Gehry Partners.
“I’ve always been interested in the idea of containers or putting things in boxes. Architecture can be a container for all sorts of human activity, from a child’s playroom to a corporate board- room. The challenge for the architect is to create a container that’s functional, beautiful, and evocative, all at the same time.” – Frank Gehry
Inside, the main living areas were thoughtfully expanded, enhancing both interior views and access to natural light. This beautifully designed residence represents a captivating chapter in west coast design, ready to welcome its next custodians.
This 3,937 sqft residence is on the market now via West Coast Modern. Click here for more information.
Design by Lehmann Builder, Alex Glegg. Photography courtesy of West Coast Modern.
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