On a gently sloping silt bluff overlooking the Okanagan Valley’s Three Mile Beach, sg_architecture has completed a residence that challenges the trend of imposing monolithic structures onto the landscape. The “Three Mile Outlook” is a study in restraint, conceived as a quiet pavilion that privileges the horizon over the architectural object.
Moving away from the singular, monolithic villa, the design breaks the program into “three boxes”—a deconstructed plan that echoes the agrarian outbuildings found in the surrounding wine region. These three distinct volumes (Entry, Sleeping, and Guest wings) frame specific views and shape intimate outdoor courtyards, creating a domestic compound that offers shelter from the north wind while embracing the vineyard setting.
In the semi-arid climate of the Naramata Bench, the roof is the primary architectural device. A distinctive, asymmetrical hip roof unifies the three volumes, acting as a “sun-sheltering” brim. This deep overhang provides a passive response to the environment, shielding the interiors from the intense summer heat while inviting the lower winter sun to penetrate the living spaces.
The project employs a material palette chosen for its ability to age with dignity. Pre-weathered steel panels define the home’s anchor points—the entry and the hearth—introducing a rich, natural patina that engages in a dialogue with the changing colours of the valley. Contrasted against a restrained palette of soft greys and off-whites, the steel grounds the structure in the geology of the site.
