Big Sky Beach House by The Airey Group and Andrea McLean Studio Inc
Inspired by Australian coastal living, Big Sky Beach House, located in Vancouver, shares an openness with the landscape and the elements. The Airey Group and Andrea McLean Studio Inc propose an elevated home that sits comfortably in its setting.
Big Sky Beach House navigates its location and access to views to best curate the experience within. The plan sees the front facade directed away from the street to ensure a calm and disconnected atmosphere once inside. The owners wanted to combine the expected comforts of an urban city home with the ease and laid-back feeling of a beach house. Together with considered detailing and integrated convenience, the execution to a high standard while also having access to the nearby beach was key. The Airey Group and Andrea McLean Studio Inc redefine the urban beach house typology within the challenging site, optimising both scale and openness.
Located at the end of a T-shaped intersection, the bedrooms are grouped together and sit nestled into the ground floor, surrounded and protected by lush landscape. Above, the combined living area opens generously to the adjacent terrace and views of the surrounds. The upper level is both protected from and connected to the street, encased in slatted timber screening able to be folded back. The flexibility of the plan – and of the building envelope itself – allows the clients to adjust the architecture to respond to seasonal changes and align with their level of comfort.
A mostly natural palette is used both internally and externally, with concrete adding a matched robustness to weather the corrosive and harsh climatic conditions of the area. Each of the spaces combine a warmth and textural depth with an appropriateness to place. Along with timber screening and flooring, wool and linen textures soften the interior, bolstering a holistic comfort, and wire-brushed walnut joinery integrates an element of handmade craft.
Big Sky Beach House achieves its goal to be an immersive and disconnected retreat. The Airey Group and Andrea McLean Studio Inc ensure outdoor and indoor areas are equally liveable, heightening the efficiency of the built form.
Architecture and landscape design by The Airey Group. Interior design by Andrea McLean Studio Inc. Build by Coastline Projects. Styling by Marcela Trejo. Landscape construction by Rakes & Ladders. External Screening by Linden Construction.
