Ordish-Anderson House
Whitehorse, Yukon
A single family residence for an artist and carver and his partner in Whitehorse, Yukon. The program describes a setting for a creative work environment and simple living space. Occupying a previously cleared and disturbed portion of a rural site, the house nestles into its northern edge; absorbing the low angle of winter sunlight while protected from winter wind exposure.
The building form follows the interior organization of active and calm spaced along a glazed east-west edge. Horizontally, the living program areas are connected but separate from the areas of rest and bathing through a neutral link/main entry.
The living area is organized vertically with a studio loft placed over the food preparation, dining and living spaces. A northern view of the adjacent boreal forest provides uniform daylight and an intimate space for carving.
The southern wall of glass lays bare a vista to the edge of the opening and changing light and colour of a northern environment. Looking back to the exposed south facade of the house, the screen of spruce sticks weaves and defines a new abstracted boreal forest edge.