About
A house designed for a client to prevent epileptic seizures triggered by sudden shifts in light intensity. Lightwells, interior windows, and an offset plan allows sunlight to permeate through all rooms creating gradual shifts in light.
shaganappi point
The project site is perched at the edge of Shaganappi Point, a steep hill at the edge of the Bow River Valley once used for a sandstone quarry. Replacing an existing structure on a rhomboidal site it backs onto both the open grassy portion of the hill as well as a heavily wooded grove. The neighbourhood is immediately adjacent to both Crowchild Trail and Bow Trail west of downtown Calgary.
The design attempted to capitalize on the unique location, site geometry and views while maintaining the original goal of providing gradual light transition to the clients. To blend with adjacent homes, the Lazkani house is only single-storey, with a finished basement portion as an in-law suite. Limited landscaping behind the home retains the existing landscape features.
interior
The interior of the home features large, open spaces, curved edges and indoor windows and opens to allow natural light to pass between spaces. The below-grade suite has its main living space open to above, and a massive lightwell provides both separation and light to office, interior space, basement and garage. Private rooms such as bedrooms and bathrooms all feature windows as well as frosted glass doors so that light can continue to filter throughout the home.
Exterior and structure
The exterior and structure of the home is inspired by various flows and connections from street, across the site, and into the grove and open grassland. These flows influence the location of the main curved glu-lam beams which make up the primary roof structure. Masonry walls complete the exterior walls, with ample windows throughout. The long, curving beams give the sense of the home being a part of energies emerging from the land.
