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The rocky coastline of Hubbards, Nova Scotia is dominated by the Atlantic Ocean and its relentless winds. It was here, perched on this rugged terrain, that the boxy, modern resort Rockbound encountered its first quagmire: how to exploit the site without falling victim to it.
Toronto and Halifax-based Omar Gandhi Architects are no strangers to the region and maritime vernacular, navigating the landscape through careful material and formal choices. “One thing we always try to maintain in our practice is to use ordinary, solid materials and make them beautiful through exquisite craftsmanship,” says the firm’s eponymous founder and principal. For the exterior, the architects chose Choose weather-resistant cork and steel because they are easy to maintain and will even improve in appearance over time, rather than looking shabby. Eastern white cedar occupies most of the box’s volume, connecting the home to its surroundings. This material is easily available and is commonly found in local fishing sheds in the area.
The 4,100-square-foot building presents a cluster of simple forms nestled against each other, like the rock beneath it. On the ocean-facing side, recessed windows are carved into the facade, and upper and lower porches help protect against strong winds while preventing leaks and providing additional insulation.
During construction, a seam in the bedrock was discovered running down the middle of the building, almost completely changing the plans. But rather than redesigning the house the client already lived in, the architects redesigned the foundations to fit the tight site. A series of micropiles, essentially stainless steel augers, were installed along the rock to strengthen structural support. Extra strength comes from a steel frame within the home’s wooden cladding, which also resists the extreme local winds.
While the focus on the outside is protection from the elements, the focus on the inside is framing. “We tried to style the interior with tones of wood, white and natural stone, but that also receded into the background a little bit,” Gandhi said. ” The minimalist and warm design does not try to compete with the landscape, but rather to better emphasize them. The off-white and cream tones contrast with the gray landscape outside, creating a place of relaxation.
Rockbound’s layout continues this contrast. While the views are vast and unobstructed, privacy is prioritized inside. A more traditional division of space organizes three bedrooms; three and a half bathrooms; as well as a living room, kitchen, gym, and dining area. Fireplaces and half walls delineate areas that embrace guests, creating a feeling of intimacy and comfort.
“We work on a lot of projects where we deny something and then reveal it later,” added Jordan Rice, a partner at the firm. For Rockbound, this meant establishing the landscape with manicured trees to better preserve ocean views. This choreography continues indoors, with breathtaking views only revealing themselves after turning a corner – a surprise that only enhances the panorama.
The Rockbound may be a cleaner, more traditional modern home than the homes typically found in the company’s portfolio, but the minimalist structure impressively stands up to and blends into its terrain. It’s a reminder of the beauty of deceptively simple form: here, clarity belies the complexity required to achieve it.
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