N.S. residence blends coastal retreat with resilient design

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Hubbards, N.S., is now home to Rockbound, a 381 m2 (4,100 sf) residence designed by Omar Gandhi Architects (OGA). Facing the Atlantic coastline, the three-bedroom house was developed as a coastal retreat with an expansive view of the bay, able to withstand the unpredictable and harsh coastal climate.

The house, built atop a rocky shoreline, consists of primary living spaces parallel to the water, providing panoramic views spanning the coast and extending across the bay to Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. The residence was designed to be resilient against harsh winds and storms. This adaptability to changing weather patterns is evident in the choice of building materials, which possess naturally weathering characteristics which also blend with the landscape. Construction of the residence faced a setback when a seam in the bedrock was discovered. However, efforts between the structural engineer, Blackwell Structural Engineers, and the project architect led to a system of micro-piles being located to redistribute loads and guarantee stability. The steel and wood frame ensures durability against hurricane-force winds.

The large, covered decks at Rockbound serve to integrate the indoors and outdoors, offering shelter from the sun and changing weather conditions, while still providing an extensive view of the Atlantic Ocean below. The bedroom is positioned to appear as if it hovers above the living space. The design also includes elements such as steel hoops framing the windows, concealed garage doors, and precisely coordinated cladding, all contributing to flowing lines that outline the building’s volumes.

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