Floating House / Arno Matis Architecture

Vancouver, Canada
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Floating House / Arno Matis Architecture - Windows, Facade
© John Sinal

Text description provided by the architects. This highly innovative private residence breaks new ground with an architectural concrete envelope that uses a completely unique white concrete mix custom developed exclusively for the project. The project is a fusion of contemporary east-Asian, and west coast design influences. The composition appears to float on a large reflecting pool set within an oriental garden setting. Large expanses of glazing and sliding doors are framed in African mahogany wood and screened with a dynamic architectural wood screen. The interiors flow with cascading floor slabs and dramatic volumes as unnecessary partitions are removed to create interior ‘exhibition’ spaces. The minimalist interior finishing details include stone slab floors, a suspended main stair of steel and hardwood; floating ceilings; and suspended custom fireplaces.

Floating House / Arno Matis Architecture - Brick
© John Sinal
Ground Level
Floating House / Arno Matis Architecture - Facade, Beam
© Michael Elkan
Sketches
Floating House / Arno Matis Architecture - Stairs, Handrail
© John Sinal

Product Description. We used a variety of stone within the design of the home;  one of the unique applications was for the master fireplace; which floated large panels of translucent onyx over DLC Lumisheet; an edge lit acrylic panel system that was used to back light the entire fireplace itself.   Technically it was challenging to ensure a consistent edge to edge glow across the entire fireplace structure without shadowing while maintain the illusion that the fireplace was stone column suspended from the ceiling.  This was only possible through the extensive collaboration between the contractor; the electrician, lighting supplier; custom gas fireplace manufacturer; and the stone supplier & installer. 

Floating House / Arno Matis Architecture - Stairs, Garden
© Michael Elkan

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Cite: "Floating House / Arno Matis Architecture" 15 Feb 2017. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/803541/w38th-residence-rufproject> ISSN 0719-8884

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