Quarry Cottage
Britannia Beach
PROJECT TYPE: Residential
Quarry House is a sculptural residence set along the cliffs of British Columbia’s Sea‑to‑Sky coastline. From the outset, the home asserts itself as a sustainable cliffside retreat shaped by place. Composed of three cantilevered volumes clad in mirrored black glass, the architecture reflects and amplifies its surroundings. As a result, the landscape becomes an active part of the experience while the house keeps a bold, confident presence.
Inside, the layout strengthens its connection to the site. A generous great room, three bedrooms, a private gym, a sauna, and a custom infinity pool all orient toward expansive ocean views. Floor‑to‑ceiling glazing frames the scenery, allowing light, water, and horizon to guide the rhythm of daily life. With this approach, the boundary between interior and exterior comes forward as a defining design idea.
Throughout the home, the material palette balances ruggedness with refinement. Board‑formed concrete made with reclaimed railway ties anchors the structure and brings texture to each space. Meanwhile, slatted wood ceilings warm the interior and introduce a consistent rhythm. Together, these elements ground the architecture in its coastal context and reinforce a sense of craft and material clarity.
Sustainable systems appear as integral parts of the design. Solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and greywater retention work together to support long‑term performance. In turn, these systems allow the home to operate as a sustainable cliffside retreat without compromising its sculptural form or minimal footprint.
Ultimately, Quarry House stands both anchored to the land and suspended above it. With its dramatic composition, refined material palette, and clear environmental intent, the residence becomes an immersive response to place, uniting restraint and sensitivity to the land.
Architecture: STARK
Consultants: