The Scarboro House is a large scale infill in one of Calgary's most established communities. Set on an odd-shaped corner parcel, the site is heavily wooded for a city site and enjoys a beautiful westerly aspect along its long axis. With a young and growing family, our clients sought to maximize the building with the intention of dwelling within the home for more than 30 years.
The building became an exploration into the duality of architecture — the main level expressed as thick board-formed concrete, with a second volume of more delicate timber facade set atop. Characterized by a large cantilever and elongated privacy wall to the north, the house acts as protector to a more private western garden.
The seemingly solid structure opens up to the west with large expanses of operable glazing that can be retracted in warmer months. The upper volume is expressed with a rhythmic solid timber facade which contrasts the strength and brutality of the concrete below. A third-storey lounge and rooftop terrace take advantage of city views to the east.
The house exemplifies our belief in the beauty of material honesty — so often ignored in the context of Calgary architecture.
