Located in West Vancouver, Canada, this Passive House is a home that redefines the relationship between sustainability, design and family comfort. Developed by architect Cedric Burgers and his wife Mary Burgers, interior designer and creative director of the Burgers Architecture studio, this home exemplifies a visionary approach to the future of architecture. Created with a deep respect for its natural environment and with a legacy in mind for his two daughters, the house is a model of energy efficiency, architectural beauty and integrated design.
The location of the Passive House is one of its most challenging and inspiring elements. It is surrounded by lush vegetation, on a plot crossed by a stream. descending from the top of Cypress Mountain. This “green corridor” acts as a refuge for local fauna while providing privacy and freshness to the immediate surroundings.
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Black and glass to immerse us in a totally passive house.
Maximum respect for nature
Preserving nature in its original state was critical to the design process, which included restoring the stream’s riparian zone and removing invasive plant species. The house, which adapts to the uneven terrain, creates a fluid connection with the topography through a three-level designeach of which integrates organically with the landscape.
One of the key aspects of the Passive House is its focus on energy efficiency. Cedric and Mary set out to create a home that could meet the challenges of the future, such as climate change and sustainability, without compromising comfort and design. The result is a low-energy house that generates its own energy through a system of photovoltaic solar panels.
The entire house is connected to the outside through enormous floor-to-ceiling windows.
Much lower consumption
The home is designed to be a passive house, which means it consumes up to 90% less energy for heating and cooling than a conventional home. In addition, it has a mechanical heat recovery ventilation (MHRV) system, known as the “lungs of the house”, which provides continuously filtered fresh air, thus reducing the presence of contaminants and allergens in the environment.
The interior design of the Passive House reflects a harmonious mix between contemporary and traditional. Predominant materials such as concrete, oak and marble are combined with a soft and natural color palette. This simplicity of finish creates the perfect backdrop for a careful selection of pieces that include iconic furniture of modern design and family objects with history. “We love mixing family treasures with modern icons,” says Mary, who has curated every corner of the home with pieces that add depth and authenticity to the space. The contrast between an old French cupboard and a Le Corbusier chair exemplifies this dialogue between past and present.
Behind the imposing floor-to-ceiling library is a quiet study.
Looking to create special experiences
The main floor of the house is designed for enjoyment and coexistence. A large open space connects the kitchen, dining room and living roombut each area is discreetly defined to create separate experiences. For example, behind an imposing floor-to-ceiling bookcase lies a quiet study. The kitchen, for its part, is the heart of the house, a place where family and friends gather to cook, talk or simply share a glass of wine by the fire.
The exterior of the house has also been designed to fully integrate into its natural surroundings. The solar-heated pool, clad in black tiles that reflect the surrounding landscape, feels like a portal to a hidden world. beneath its surface. The central patio acts as a transition space between the interior and exterior, offering visual respite and a meeting point for the family. “We wanted to show that it is possible to live well, but in a different way,” says Cedric.