Private Residence Whistler

Whistler, Canada

The Muse residence is in an area of primarily resort homes. Design guidelines proscribe traditional mountain architecture. After doing a number of residences in the area, architect Don Gurney knows how to take that description a step further. “It’s based on a traditional chalet style, but with a contemporary, refined interior.”

Hakwood Bespoke flooring in living room on the floor and ceiling

Mini cathedral

“These homes are typically 350 to 700 m2, but with a constricted building envelope”, explains Gurney. “That forces the design vertically. This, and the generous use of timber, makes them blend in with the surrounding trees. The Muse residence is like a mini cathedral in the forest: very dramatic.”

Smart use of trees

Gurney: “Wood is the natural material to use in this area, and it also breathes comfort. The human body naturally resonates with wood. We worked with wide-width, long-length Hakwood flooring in eight out of ten homes here. Engineered flooring to me is a smart use of trees and it’s stable. Hakwood also has a very sophisticated colour and smoking scheme. They meet all our criteria.”