WEST COAST HOUSE DESIGN

West Coast Architecture

West Coast architecture is a Northwest coast-based form of Modern architecture heavily influenced by nature and by the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright. It began to take shape in Canada during the 1950’s. 

The trademarks of West Coast construction are found in both the materials used for construction and in the physical placement and surrounding setting of the project.  These houses feature natural materials such as wood, stone, glass, brick, and concrete. West Coast builds also make a point to showcase natural lighting in order to emphasize the architect's desire for the exterior to blend with the interior space. This is accomplished through unique layouts and overall composition, as well as an abundance of light filtering in from carefully placed windows. 

West Coast homes are typically nestled into the natural environment and are one with the land.  In Canada, the most influential architect in forging the “West Coast style” was Vancouver’s Arthur Erikson.  Erikson designed several distinct homes up and down the west coast of British Columbia, including a couple of houses in Kelowna, BC.  His houses are valued most notably for their intimacy, feel, and integration of the surrounding natural setting.

A full article is available at Arthur Erikson: Pacific Northwest Modern Master.

The Jones Residence

The Jones Residence was built in 1970 in Vernon, British Columbia and overlooks beautiful Okanagan Lake. The house is built along the natural grade of a hillside and was designed to resemble a ship. Paul Jones, the original owner of the home, gives a full account of the building process and his experience living in this Terrence Gower designed home. The full article can be read at Jones Residence.