Home tour: A multigenerational family retreat in Whistler, Canada with panoramic mountain views

Tatler Asia

3 days ago

Above Large, expansive glazing on the second floor with open-plan living spaces
Homeowners Matt and Leanne, who are also behind Vancouver-based luxury custom home builder E2 Homes Ltd responsible for the construction of the property, envisioned a place for the whole family to gather under one roof–a holiday home that feels both grand enough to accommodate more than 16 people and intimate enough for the couple during their 'off season' weekend retreats.
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Above Locally sourced basalt and hemlock are the principal drivers for the interiors
Above The airy, open-plan living spaces benefit from the high, pitched ceilings
'Each generation had its own desires–whether it was functional and flexible spaces for parents, playful areas for children, or a quiet retreat for grandparents,' Burgers elaborates.
'It was important to create a home that would grow with the family while still feeling unified, and the challenge of balancing privacy, shared spaces and different lifestyles within one cohesive design was creatively stimulating.'
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Above White oak, European touch flooring evokes minimalist elegance and warmth
Spanning 4,000 sq ft, Cypress Home is a contemporary, West Coast modern ski chalet that blends natural materials with sleek lines–a common denominator among the family members, despite each having their own ideas of what the perfect home should be.
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Completed in 2023, the home reflects a refreshed vision of Nordic living, featuring a distinctive pitched roof with steel structural moment frames in supporting the seismic and snow loads in the high snow zone where the property is located.
These frames also establish a rhythmic pattern throughout the house, providing a sense of stability as cabinetry and windows move around them in an intentional way, serving the functional aspects of the home's structure.
Above A lustrous mix of pearl grey Corian and super white marble in the kitchen
Above The airy space can be bustling with activity, yet doesn't feel chaotic
Large, expansive glazing on the second floor allows natural light to permeate the interiors, while offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and forest throughout the dramatic seasonal changes in the mountainous setting.
To express a West Coast modern aesthetic with minimalist elegance and warmth, locally sourced basalt and hemlock–a native North American wood species known for its durability and attractive appearance–are incorporated as principal drivers for the interiors.
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Meanwhile, white oak with European touch flooring, millwork flat panels in smoke embers and wrought iron, as well as pearl grey Corian and super white marble are paired with linen and flannel wall coverings that exude comfort and warmth amidst its wintry setting.
Above A sense of calm that harmonises with the natural surroundings
Above The heated covered deck overlooks the distant mountains
Open, airy spaces not only harmonise with the natural surroundings but are also generous enough in all areas to maintain a sense of calm, as the open-plan layout transitions seamlessly from lively entertaining spaces to cosy, intimate areas.
'With the house full, it is important that it doesn't feel chaotic,' Burgers explains. 'The idea was to feel at any moment that even if all family members were in the home, and it was bustling with activity, one could still retreat to their own quarters and rooms or find a spot to relax easily.'
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Above A blend of natural materials with modern, sleek lines
Above Bathrooms reflect a refreshed vision of Nordic living
This approach allowed Burgers Architecture to push the boundaries of traditional home design by the living spaces on the upper floor. Here, the sprawling layout–consisting of the living, dining and kitchen areas–benefits from the high, pitched ceilings.
'Putting the living spaces upstairs meant that they look over the neighbouring houses to the distant mountains, with large floor-to-ceiling windows facing south for sunlight and heat,' Burgers adds.
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The communal spaces also extend out to the large, covered deck–a heated outdoor area that serves as a momentary escape from the bustle inside.
Above A seamless transition to the cosy, intimate areas
Above The six bedrooms take up the larger level downstairs
The six separate bedrooms take up the lower floor instead, where the larger level accommodates four master suites for the parents and their three adult children and their spouses, as well as two bunk rooms for eight grandchildren.
Additionally, the homeowners can house guests in the den, which can be converted to an extra bedroom.
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Credits
Photography: Ema Peter Photography