Skip to Content
photo of Cliff Dwelling
Photo: Nic Lehoux

Cliff Dwelling

White Rock, Canada

Cliff Dwelling

White Rock, Canada

  • Design Principal

    Jim Olson

Situated on the edge of a bluff above Semiahmoo Bay, the house creates privacy while taking advantage of spectacular views of the water, islands and mountains to the west, east and south. Over three levels, the house slowly reveals its layers; principal living areas (living room, dining room and kitchen) are collected on the main level just off of the formal entry gallery.

The simple material palette is durable and low maintenance. Concrete walls and floors, and natural unfinished zinc siding are contrasted with warm Douglas fir ceilings and soffits. The cascading layers of the house are connected by a cast-in-place concrete stair. The stair opens to a gallery on each level with views out to the Bay below. The master suite is private and tucked away on the second level while the family room, children’s bedrooms, sauna and exercise area on the ground floor open out to the lap pool and spa outside.

Team