Located on the forested waterfront slopes of Willis Point, British Columbia, Layer House, designed by WOVEN Architecture and Design, is conceived as a residence aligned with the contours, climate, and ecology of its site.
Designed for a visual artist and craftsperson, the project combines domestic living spaces with dedicated creative work areas, including a printmaking studio and woodshop housed within a separate accessory structure connected by a bridge.
The 5,100-square-foot residence steps down the steep terrain through a series of horizontal tiers that minimize visual impact while responding to the site’s topography.
The layered composition of exposed floor and roof plates establishes an architectural rhythm across the hillside. Between these horizontal elements, vertical cedar siding and vertically proportioned glazing reinforce the relationship between the house and the surrounding forest.
Large openings frame views toward Saanich Inlet while drawing daylight deep into the interior, reducing dependence on artificial lighting during the day. Every room opens outward to decks, terraces, or the surrounding landscape, creating a relationship between interior and exterior environments.
Building with the hillside
The steeply sloping site influenced both the structural and environmental approach of the project. Portions of the lower level are recessed into the hillside, allowing the building to benefit from the thermal stability of the earth. The topography also shaped the interior layout, with planning needed to bring natural light into all parts of the home. This strategy contributes to more consistent indoor temperatures throughout the year and reduces heating and cooling demand. Integrating the structure into the terrain also helped reduce the visual prominence of the home within the coastal landscape.
The below-grade construction required robust structural systems to manage soil retention and long-term stability. At the same time, planning was needed to ensure that natural light reached all occupied spaces despite the recessed portions of the building. Large glazed openings, circulation areas, and stepped floor levels help maintain daylight penetration across both storeys.
Materials for coastal performance
Material selection was informed by the exposed oceanfront conditions. Locally sourced western red cedar was used extensively for siding and decking due to its natural resistance to moisture, salt air, and weathering. A high-performance exterior stain improves durability and extends maintenance cycles in the coastal setting.
Concrete and metal were selected for their durability, longevity, and low maintenance requirements. Together, these materials establish a building envelope capable of withstanding storms, moisture exposure, and fluctuating marine conditions over time. Their restrained material palette also allows the architecture to integrate with the surrounding forested landscape.
High-performance glazing and thermally broken door systems were incorporated to reduce heat loss while maintaining visual connections to the outdoors. Well-insulated wall and roof assemblies support the project’s passive environmental strategy by improving thermal performance and occupant comfort throughout the year.
Because of the steep slope, the lower level of the house had to be recessed into the high side of the site, resulting in a portion of the structure being built below grade. This condition required structural solutions to maintain stability.
Water and landscape strategies
A rainwater harvesting system collects and filters roof runoff for irrigation and non-potable uses, reducing reliance on municipal water infrastructure. The landscape design prioritizes native planting species suited to the local climate, limiting irrigation demand while supporting biodiversity and reducing long-term maintenance requirements.
Outdoor terraces, wraparound decks, and landscaped edges are integrated into the natural slope rather than imposed upon it, minimizing disruption to the site’s ecological character.
The project incorporates flexibility through its open-plan organization and separated live-work arrangement. The accessory building allows studio and workshop functions to evolve independently from the primary residence, while the open interior layout can adapt to changing occupancy patterns or future programmatic needs.
