Perched atop an escarpment in Terrace, BC, this new family home is centred around a generous living, kitchen, and dining space oriented toward expansive surrounding views and the rhythms of daily family life.

Designed for a couple and their two daughters, the home balances openness with carefully considered moments of privacy and retreat. Passionate cooks and frequent hosts, the clients envisioned a central gathering space capable of accommodating large family dinners and celebrations, with seamless connections to a series of covered outdoor areas designed to extend use throughout Terrace’s long winters and shoulder seasons.

The clients wanted an energy-efficient home that would remain comfortable year-round. The roof form was carefully oriented to optimize solar PV exposure, while a large south-facing clerestory brings natural light deep into the home. Multiple covered and uncovered outdoor spaces create opportunities for dining, gathering, play, and quiet retreat throughout the day and across seasons.

A key part of the design brief was to create a home that could adapt as the clients age in place. The main living areas and primary suite are located on one level, with generous clearances throughout the hallways, kitchen, and ensuite, as well as provisions for future internal and external ramps should wheelchair accessibility ever be required. The primary suite features vaulted ceilings, expansive views, and a generous ensuite, while the daughters’ bedrooms were designed as equal spaces connected by a shared bathroom. A flexible lower level accommodates a range of evolving family needs, including a workout room, office, guest suite, and an adaptable space for music, crafts, movies, and play.