SAWBRUSH HOUSE

Construction began in August 2024. Situated in the Northern Okanagan valley this unique and challenging parcel opens opens up to breathtaking views of the lake and mountains beyond. The Sawbrush house integrates  architectural form with its natural grassland valley context. The landscape design was approached for long-term usability and multi generational access. The owners deep respect and admiration for the native landscape encouraged a naturalistic approach that extends the ponderosa pine woodland and grassland landscapes atmosphere across the property. Embracing the dusty sage tones and clumping grasses in an ornamental meadow expression of this landscape and region. Buff and rusty tinged boulders where carefully selected to echo the stoney scree soils and provide vocals and counter points to the soft plant matrix. Referencing the linearity of the architecture the hardscape approach draws  out retaining and seat wall forms in broad formed concrete and local wall stone. 

As the Architect’s Sanders Green eloquently state. 

In plan, the building splays apart to the south to create a private sun-filled outdoor space between two rectilinear volumes. This spatial configuration not only fosters a private outdoor experience but also capitalizes on solar exposure. The natural landscape falls across the site so that the top-side volume can walk out at grade, while the other side bridges elegantly over the natural contours of the land. The architectural language employed, characterized by strong right angles, stands in juxtaposition to the soft, undulating landscape. The landscape itself acts as a transitional gradient between urban and natural realms. Starting with a more formal and controlled presentation at the street, it gradually transitions into a more organic and natural state as it progresses toward the scrubgrass ravine.