Mayne Island, British Columbia, Canada
Located on Mayne Island, British Columbia, Vancouver-based practice Measured Architecture presents the Shor House demonstrating that careful deconstruction of wooden buildings, refinishing and its combination into considered assemblies extends the life-cycle of material otherwise destined for landfill.
For its sustainable design, the Shor House has been awarded a 2023 Best New Future House Award by Global Design News and The Chicago Athenaeum Museum for Architecture and Design.
The project encapsulates the spirit of conservation, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese architecture and the ethos of renowned artists, all while preserving the rich history of the materials within its walls.
Much of the recycled lumber comes from the house and barn which once sat on this waterfront site.
These two structures were unbuilt by a dismantling rather than a demolishing contractor.
The cladding, floors, and frame were captured so the patina of age and wear could lend authenticity by their reincarnation in the new house.
there are substantial energy savings in using wood that has never left the site. This project is a test bed of recycling—a zero-take approach.
The design team then extended their search for recycled materials further away from the site.
Yellow cedar ties were found from the decommissioned 100-year-old Englewood Railroad on Vancouver Island.
Additional lumber was sourced from the former Turner Dairy in Vancouver, for use throughout the house including the exposed NLT flooring and feature staircase.
All adding a legacy of character not to be obtained from any lumberyard.
In terms of sustainability, there is no use of drywalls in the house as there is no way to recycle it.
The previously painted exterior cladding lines many interior walls, painted a standard white to reflect light while also parging over marks, knots, and defects.
There is new wood in the house, represented with a Shou Sugi Ban treatment, its low maintenance surface an analog to the corten steel used outside.
Project: Shor House
Architects: Measured Architecture Inc.
Lead Architects: Clinton Cuddington and Piers Cunnington
Design Team: Patrick Gonzales and James Papa
Contractor: Powers Construction
Client: Clinton Cuddington
Photographers: Ema Peter and Bernardo Rodriguez
