Black Diamond Country Home
Project Brief
The project evolved over two years, marking the second collaboration between the architect and clients who had become close friends during their Lakeview Village project. These clients embarked on a transformative journey, transitioning from their luxurious Calgary home and a lakefront cottage in British Columbia to embrace a life filled with travel, gardening, building projects, and endless creative pursuits.
Challenges
The initial challenge was to enlarge and integrate the log cabin they had purchased on the Sheep River. However, the log cabin proved resistant to their evolving program. Instead of erasing its character, they opted to spend time in the cabin and on the land, immersing themselves in their new environment and lifestyle. The eventual plan involved building a guest house, moving the log cabin east to convert it into a garage, and constructing the new home on the existing (and extended) foundation. An essential decision was to abandon the existing driveway, creating a protected entryway between the garage and the house and emphasizing the transition from enclosed woods to a westward open view.
Approach
True to the essence of collaboration, this project embodies the clients' active participation in design and construction. They were not only responsible for significant planning decisions but also personally felled trees and milled timbers used in the porches, brackets, and trusses. Their ongoing commitment to developing the surrounding land and natural gardens adds to the sense that this home was always meant to be a part of this landscape, seamlessly blending into its environment.
Reflections
Turner Valley stands as a testament to the transformative power of collaboration and creative vision. It's a home that not only reflects the clients' dreams and aspirations but also their hands-on involvement in bringing those dreams to life. The result is a country home that feels like it has always been there, nestled among the trees, a sanctuary for creative pursuits and a celebration of the beauty of nature. Explore our portfolio and discover how we can turn your vision into a living masterpiece, uniquely tailored to your dreams and desires.