Inspired by the weather at Whistler, the architecture sought for a big glass box that could open up the interiors to the surrounding nature and invite the outside in. At the same time, the house’s volume would feel weightless, as if floating above the ground. The structure was positioned to make the most of the views, and was designed across three levels; a semi-sunken lower ground, which contains the garage and a cellar; a first floor containing a guest bedroom and the pedestrian entrance, including a pool deck; and a grand piano nobile, which is wrapped in glass and becomes the primary living space.
Due to its clever design and embedding into the hill, Flag House feels like a single storey home – but it is in fact a huge cantilever. The surroundings are constantly reflected on its facade, bringing a layer of nature into the indoors at every turn. To emphasise further the connection between building and land, natural materials were chosen, such as Dinesen oak, and local Ocean Pearl Flagstone, in combination with its concrete base and metal upper frame. The home is strategically minimalist, furnished for comfort and to work as a vessel for enjoying the landscape.
