Dunkirk Residence

This house, designed for a young couple and their family, occupies a south-facing river lot adjacent to Winnipeg’s Red River. Development of the site included demolition of an existing residence and extensive work to address the long-neglected riparian landscape. Showcasing stunning river views from all levels of the terraced massing, the design incorporates a blend of indoor and outdoor living spaces that extend out into the landscape. Design of the residence was influenced by its historical river lot location adjacent to the site of the former Winnipeg Canoe Club. Having lived in the area, the owners grew up as members of the club and felt a strong affinity to its history. The design of the new residence takes cues from the modernist club house that was demolished in 2007. Programmatically, the residence is comprised of three “hinged” and tiered boxes. These volumes, characterized as “living”, “family” and “sleeping” blocks, mediate the conflicting needs for domestic privacy, a complementary relationship to the public street and the desire to open up and connect to the surrounding landscape. The intersecting volumes include a two-storey central axis that acts as a visual connector and circulation hub for the dining, living, and family areas on the main floor. This zone also provides access to the basement, and discreetly separates the master bedroom and children’s bedrooms on the second floor. Sustainable design strategies include both passive and active systems such as high-performance glazing, natural ventilation, south-facing overhangs, high levels of insulation and in-floor radiant heating. The palette of interior finishes consists of natural and sustainable materials including Tyndall stone, oiled white oak flooring and wall panels, exposed concrete and zero VOC painted drywall. Client: Undisclosed Type: Residential Construction Value: Undisclosed Date of Completion: Summer 2017 Area: 4,000 sq.ft. (370 s.m.) Consultant Team Prime Consultant: 1x1 architecture inc. Structural: Wolfrom Engineering Ltd. Mechanical: Epp Siepman Engineering Inc. Photography: Lisa Stinner-Kun Filed under Residential