Design Cliff House

Cliff House is located on a rock formation overlooking a spectacular lake and designed by Altius Architects. it seeks the different, unique and extraordinary surroundings through the thoughtful integration of building elements with the natural assets of the site and terrain. The program called for intimate spaces carefully tuned to the unique views, light, and breezes of the site. the key of client mandate and the project is completely off-grid was Self-sufficiency.

The dwelling emerges form the cliff and rests on a base crafted from local granite. the circulates movement, light and air into living spaces were done by an anchor which is here is a tall central void. the cantilevered volumes, flying roofs and floor-to-ceiling glass achieve a lightness of form and draw the lake into each interior space balance the heavy mass of two interior fireplace cores. Finely crafted materials, including hand-hewn stonework, wood ceilings, and structural board-formed concrete walls, define the residence and celebrate the skilled contributions of all tradespeople involved.

The aim of designing this house was to combine passive and active systems. the building foreground with the distant landscape were connected by Green roofs mediate temperatures and control runoff. the basis of the heating system was formed by optimised glazing and solar orientation in conjunction with the thermal mass of structural elements. Two contra-flow masonry heaters in the fireplace cores take full advantage of abundant biomass available on site for supplemental heat. the sun’s energy to heat water that circulates through 10 thermal storage tanks was used by an array of evacuated tube solar collectors. it can supply hydronic radiant floor heating and provides domestic hot water. the building with electricity was provided by a series of photovoltaic panels and battery bank.