Ranger House by A.J. Capling

Nestled on the woodland fringes of Capilano River Regional Park, Ranger House by A.J. Capling stands as a testament to West Coast modernism, preserved by its former custodians of six decades.

A.J. Capling, a National Capital Commission architect, designed this residence as his own family home, using it as a case study for new construction methods and responses to site. Built in 1955, Ranger House is among Vancouver’s earliest examples of modern architecture, admired as “an experiment in designing an optimistic family home that celebrates nature,” says Trent Rodney, co-founder of West Coast Modern, a local real estate agency specialising in design-led architectural dwellings.

The captivating site, overlooking 161 hectares of verdant parkland, inspired the name Ranger House, as it made A.J. Capling and his family feel like stewards of the land.

The captivating site, overlooking 161 hectares of verdant parkland, inspired the name Ranger House, as it made A.J. Capling and his family feel like stewards of the land. While the home has a quiet presence with its discreet, post-and-beam facade, its southern elevation opens dramatically to the landscape – “like a tower reaching into the forest,” describes Rodney. This gesture was achieved with an experimental steel structure – innovative for its time – supporting a long, glazed facade that captures southern views across the parklands’ towering Douglas firs, Western hemlocks and red cedar trees. The breathtaking outlook is accentuated by a balcony deck spanning the living and dining spaces, encouraging occupants to connect with nature. “Deep eaves strategically shade harsh summer sunlight while drawing diffused, dappled light deep within the home,” says Rodney.

Internally, the residence presents as a remarkable example of West Coast modernism, thanks to former custodians, the Worrow family. Exposed, old-growth cedar beams, cedar-lined ceilings, cork flooring and ribbed wall cladding tenderly uphold the warmth and texture of the home’s unique, mid-century heritage. Original cabinetry and interior features, including a floating room divider between the living and dining zones, have been carefully preserved through steadfast maintenance and repairs, rendering Ranger House with a high level of integrity. The family made thoughtful alterations during their tenure, enclosing the carport and front entry in glass to create an atrium, as well as building a tiny staircase, granting internal access to the lower-level bedroom and rumpus room.

The breathtaking outlook is accentuated by a balcony deck spanning the living and dining spaces, encouraging occupants to connect with nature.

Reflecting on their time living in the property, siblings Linda and Michael Worrow return to A.J. Capling’s architecture and its powerful relationship to place. “Our parents’ mantra was that a house near a beautiful forest isn’t just a property, it’s an invitation to connect with nature, find solace and create lasting memories,” says Michael. With Ranger House now on the market, new opportunities to preserve, adapt and marvel at this pristine example of West Coast modernism abound, summoning design enthusiasts from near and far.

Architecture by A.J. Capling. Artwork by Barry Downs.