Channeling the essence of the renowned community on the Northern California coastline, Sea Ranch House offers a west coast retreat where nature’s splendor combines with midcentury modernism.
Emphasizing the site-specific relationship with the surrounding landscape, architect Stuart Howard designed the house in collaboration with the original custodian, a senior engineer at RJC.
Nestled in West Vancouver’s coveted Caulfield neighborhood, Howard’s design unfolds on a sprawling, private forested lot. The home resonates with Sea Ranch’s ecological ethos, flaunting natural wood finishes that harmonize exquisitely with its lush green surroundings. Dramatic sloped shed roofs blend with the rugged terrain, shaping dynamic multi-tiered living spaces that capture sweeping forest and ocean vistas. Expansive windows and skylights usher in a dance of light and shadow, imbuing the interiors with a majestic west coast splendor.
West Coast Modern sat down with Howard to learn more:
West Coast Modern: How did the commission or design of Sea Ranch House come about?
Stuart Howard: The original custodian, Bill Anderson and I worked together on a big office building in Victoria when I was working at Hawthorn Matthews Towers. He asked me to help him with his personal house on vacant land at Sea Ranch House. It was my first home done independently.
WCM: Can you share what you know about the original custodians and their choice of building an architectural home?
SH: They wanted natural materials, connection to nature, and a sense of being in the woods. They wanted the building to perch on the terrain rather than alter it.
WCM: What was the inspiration or vision for the design?
SH: At the time I was influenced by the work at Sea Ranch, and Design with Nature that had been a focus of my education.
WCM: In what ways has the house made an impact on your career? How does it fit within your oeuvre?
SH: This house had a big impact on my life, as I met my wife at the house warming, Robbie Burns day party, not long after move in. This style of stepping over the land with the building rather than altering it was something I tried many times after Sea Ranch House.
WCM: What were people’s reactions when they saw the house back in the day?
SH: Mainly about the siting, not being square to the lot, almost hidden in the trees was seen as out of the ordinary.
WCM: 3 key features of the house that stand out for you?
SH: Natural materials and light, pinned to the rock rather than excavated, stepping up and over the ground.
Photos courtesy of West Coast Modern. Click here to see the full listing.
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