SOLD
The Morriset Residence, by NMINUSONE architects
Khyber Ridge, Whistler B.C. Canada

Listing Information
Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Square Ft: 3,000
Year Built: 2005

Listing Description
Site specific architecture by San Francisco firm NMINUSONE. The design process took over 18 months as every view aspect and structural detail was studied and refined. The design allows for access to the perched lot without a separate, covered stairway. The structure engages the lot and topography in a way not found in regular architecture. The result is the obvious reduction in stacked rock wall retention necessary when placing a “normal” styled home on a steep lot. The structure sinks or sits into the terrain allowing natural contour lines to surround it. Large expanses of glass allow the natural surroundings to become part of the living experience providing shelter while blurring the boundaries of inside or out. This experience is magnified during inclement weather, standing in the cantilever during a snowstorm surrounded by trees and blowing is incredible, this blurring or interior and exterior space increases dramatically in the summer months when the additional decks and massive roof terrace become part of the living space adding over 1500 sq feet of usable, livable space. The emphasis for the home was on living. As a result the bedrooms are ample but not excessive and the living spaces are expansive and offer features which amplify ambient light and celebrate the home’s unique setting. The main living floor offers a massive open concept kitchen/living room and features a 30 foot glass wall that diffuses light from a skylight during the day and from spotlights at night. The exposed sheer wall features a custom see through fireplace and floor to ceiling walnut cabinets with a tremendous storage capacity eliminating clutter and the need for stand alone storage. Last but not least a secondary cantilever allows for 67 feet of unbroken glazing on the North side of the living room. Either side of the sheer wall leads to the home’s cantilevered living/dining room. The space was recently described in the NY Times Magazine. “ The effect is mesmerizing at all times of day reflected light plays tricks on the surrounding landscape, and the forest and the mountains and the sky find their way inside.” Structure Extensive use of steel and over engineered roofing structures provide incredible structural strength and allow for architectural features such as roof terrace and suspended cantilevered living room. Structural elements such as chrome suspension rods and pillars further compliment the interior space. Kitchen Wolf and Subzero Appliances, Downdraft vent. Custom 4 inch Corian countertop with under mount sinks. Custom High end Walnut Cabinetry with high build paint interiors. Bathrooms All wall hung pans and in-wall water cabinets. Floor to ceiling low iron glass and mirror details. High end fixtures, custom glass and Corian enclosures. Steam unit and sunken air jet tub in Master bedroom. Custom stainless steel shelving. Wall hung sinks. Glazing High end low E floor to ceiling sealed glass units. ( approx 3 x the glazing found in a normal home) Metro Aluminum custom curtain wall windows, custom floor to ceiling sliding door units. (X6) Custom Skylight applications. Insulation Icynene foam insulation. High end product used throughout entire house assures draft free performance and increased R factor. Heating High end furnace, boiler and hot water tank, in-floor radiant heating system tied into all stairways. HRV system Exposed free standing stairway acts as radiator for heating system in wet room on entrance floor. Lighting Light Touch lighting system through out house. Custom chrome European lighting fixtures in washrooms. Pre wired for additional landscaping lighting. Interior Glass Interior glass enclosures and features such as sloped glass walls and glass railings. Drapery Custom high end black out and insulating drapery, custom sunken Silent Gliss drapery track and built in curtain storage. Decking Low maintenance concrete and concrete pavers provide over 1500 Sq feet of summer living space. Gas is plumbed to main and roof top deck for barbeque and gas heating lamps. Sound is also distributed to rooftop deck space. Landscaping Extensive landscaping and green roof application. Full irrigation system with Rain Bird timer. Floor finishing High build acrylic and epoxy floor treatments accent the concrete floors. Room to grow The house offers possibilities for further development of approximately 600 Sq feet of interior space for applications such as home theater, gym, sauna or workshop.