Redwood

Perched above the rugged coastline of East Sooke, Redwood was designed to feel quiet within the landscape — a restrained modern retreat nestled among towering evergreens and shaped by the atmosphere of the surrounding forest.

REDWOOD
Project Location: East Sooke, BC
Project Type: Residential
Built: 2025

Perched above the rugged coastline of East Sooke, Redwood was designed to feel quiet within the landscape

A restrained modern retreat nestled among towering evergreens and shaped by the atmosphere of the surrounding forest. The home overlooks a dense redwood grove and was carefully positioned to preserve the feeling of being immersed in nature rather than placed above it.

From the earliest stages of planning, the intention was to create a residence that felt grounded and enduring. Rather than relying on dramatic architectural gestures, the design focuses on proportion, materiality, and restraint. A series of simple gabled forms are paired with refined contemporary detailing, allowing the architecture to feel both modern and timeless within the wooded setting. The restrained exterior palette — dark vertical cladding, warm wood accents, and soft integrated lighting — was chosen to recede into the forest and create a quieter visual presence on the site.

The home was designed across two levels to respond naturally to the sloping terrain while maximizing privacy and connection to the surrounding landscape. The main living spaces are elevated within the trees, creating expansive views outward while maintaining a strong sense of intimacy inside. Large openings and carefully positioned glazing bring natural light deep into the home while framing the changing atmosphere of the forest throughout the day.

Interiorly, the design continues the same philosophy of restraint and warmth. I was responsible for both the architectural and interior design direction of the project, allowing the spaces and materials to feel fully integrated throughout the home. The interiors were intentionally kept minimal and calm — balancing refined detailing with livability and comfort. White walls, warm oak millwork, soft textural finishes, and restrained black accents create a palette that feels modern without becoming cold or over-designed.

The kitchen was designed as a continuation of the architecture itself, with clean-lined cabinetry, integrated storage, and open shelving that keeps the space feeling light and approachable. Throughout the home, moments of warmth are introduced through natural wood tones, layered textures, and carefully framed views into the surrounding forest. Bathrooms continue the restrained material palette with soft stone-inspired surfaces, warm wood cabinetry, and understated fixtures that emphasize simplicity over excess.

A significant focus of the project was creating a home that felt deeply connected to its environment in every season. Covered outdoor spaces, large windows, and subtle transitions between interior and exterior spaces allow the surrounding landscape to become part of the daily experience of the home. Even from the approach along the driveway, the architecture is intentionally revealed slowly through the trees, creating a quieter and more immersive arrival experience.

Technically, the home incorporates high-performance building assemblies including insulated concrete foundations, advanced wall and roof assemblies, and energy-conscious detailing designed specifically for the coastal climate of East Sooke. The project utilizes a combination of radiant heating, heat pump systems, and carefully detailed thermal assemblies to balance comfort, durability, and long-term efficiency.

Ultimately, Redwood was designed as more than simply a modern house in the woods. The goal was to create a home that felt settled into its environment — calm, refined, and deeply connected to the landscape around it. A place where the architecture supports everyday living quietly, while allowing the forest, light, and atmosphere of East Sooke to remain the defining experience of the home.