It was almost certain this would be no ordinary abode from the project’s inception. The clients came to Sophie Burke Design with a wide-encompassing brief: a warm, light-filled family ski cabin that incorporates the locally sourced and natural materials, while adhering to leading eco friendly standards and practices. Keeping across all of these facets was no easy feat, but Sophie Burke managed by addressing each on a different level. Architecturally, the home was to be practical and accommodating to the demands of the environment – for kids, ski boots and pets alike. Sophie Burke Design worked with builders on all millwork, for custom-made bunkbeds, sofas, stairs and cabinetry. It’s a winning combination employing local craftsmen to use local materials; wrapping the walls with white-washed hemlock timber and the bench tops with Vancouver Island marble.

Both client and designer shared an appreciation for the alpine outlook, further embraced by full-height windows and sliding doors across an entire half of the open plan living. The home opens up miraculously before you, punctuated by the glow of snowy natural light and united by a gentle palette of grey and tan tones. To offset the hard surfaces, Sophie Burke Design leaned on organic, natural elements. Regular readers will know we immediately gravitate to the soft edges and raw textures; with locally designed ceramics only adding to this elemental feel. It’s the kind of clean and contemporary that immediately puts you at ease, where concrete is softened by the timber and timber is softened by the leather, linen and wool.

The Whistler House tactfully captures the evolution of Canada’s west coast design and architecture while paying homage to its Scandinavian heritage. By meeting all aspects of the brief, it’s a front runner in innovative building practices, without compromising on the calm and homey feeling we all yearn for – especially when it’s all-white outside.