Located in Colwood, BC, 3917 Olympian Way is a 3,106-square-foot residence composed of two distinct volumes: a long, single-storey primary dwelling and an adjacent two-storey volume containing a garage and secondary suite. The primary dwelling includes three bedrooms, two bathrooms and a powder room, while the 706-square-foot secondary suite provides one bedroom and one bathroom.

The design responds directly to the site’s sloping topography, solar orientation, neighbouring development, and relationship to an adjacent wetland nature sanctuary. By positioning the building toward the east side of the site and lodging it into the higher portion of the slope, the architecture turns away from the neighbouring townhouses while opening toward the nature reserve. The two volumes create a secluded southwest-facing courtyard for the primary dwelling, providing a protected outdoor space connected to the main living areas.

Floor-to-ceiling glazing and large sliding doors extend the primary living spaces toward the nature sanctuary, creating a strong connection between interior and landscape. Windows are limited in number but generous in scale, providing expansive views and daylight while maintaining a relatively low window-to-wall ratio. The compact building forms also reduce the amount of envelope relative to building volume, supporting energy performance.

A restrained palette of weathered red cedar, yellow cedar, glass and metal flashing reinforces the clarity of the volumes. Landscaping, including tall grasses, columnar aspens and a Japanese maple, provides privacy and frames views. Throughout the day, changing light, foliage and shadows animate the cedar cladding, further connecting the architecture to its natural setting.