Hillside House - The University of Toronto (2006)
In rural Ontario, Canada, a developer intends to build a small house for environmental students to study the natural world around them. The intended period of stay for each vist is approximately a week. The site is on a small hill, whilst the brief was to have the building put on as little impact as possible to the surrounding.

The design plays with the idea of perspectives, about what is seen and what is not seen. All the walls in the design of the house are kept par allel to the approach, so that they become extremely thin and not obstructing to the view. The only actual wall that runs perpendicular to the approach is a privacy wall that has to shield away the bathroom and private areas of the house. Thus, the structure of the house is almost translucent.

The plan is derived from the site itself, sliding around the existing trees so that none have to be cut down for the construction of the building. The entrance is to the side, with a grand entrance that is enclosed by glass, allowing light towards this section of the house and creating a centre of attention. The interaction between the house and the environment is taken into careful consideration throughout the design process, with framed views of the natural environment from the bedroom, workroom and kitchen.