While the initial architectural design for the primary residence met the strict passive house criteria, the husband-and-wife duo found it lacked vitality. This realisation prompted them to reevaluate the design, temporarily setting aside the strict standards–an approach that ultimately expanded possibilities for achieving their original vision.

“We were delighted to find that by flipping that first design on its head and reorienting the home, we tick the boxes required for passive house energy efficiency,” Mary quips. “With expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around the entire main floor to open to the west, we also gained much more sunlight and the visual and acoustic beauty of the gurgling creek.”

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Furthermore, they restored the creek beds that run through the site from the top of Cypress Mountain. The preserved native plant species in the creek’s riparian zone provide privacy and cooling, while new vegetation planted supports habitat for pollinators.

“The design adapts to the steep north-south slope through a layered, multi-level home with a light footprint,” she elaborates. “Sitting in a robust, living, breathing environment, each of its three floors connects seamlessly to the property around a spacious central courtyard.”

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The lowest level comprises a parking garage leading to a secondary suite, media room and storage spaces; as well as a working garden and orchard, where apple trees, hardy plums, pears, figs, and peaches flourish throughout the growing season.

The main floor presents a fluid system of communal spaces, such as the living room, dining room, and kitchen. While giving the impression of an open floor plan, the design also incorporates more secluded areas like a quiet study tucked behind a floor-to-ceiling oak library filled with literature.

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Meanwhile, the dining room provides an ideal setting for intimate dinner parties, while the adjacent kitchen serves as a large landing pad for day-to-day activities—from cooking and entertaining friends over drinks, to homework, drawing, and playing Lego with their two daughters, Eva and Antonia.

The main level opens into the courtyard, where an apple orchard offers shade over a wood-burning fireplace, and a solar heated swimming pool with bordering granite slabs and black tiles that mimic the reflective waters, appearing as portals to another dimension.

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“The main floor was designed with entertaining in mind like a well-orchestrated play—from one mood to another, subtle interior shifts would allow guests to feel a change of pace between experiences,” describes Mary. “Moving from the kitchen island for appetisers and a glass of bubbly to a seated dinner, and then enjoying an after-dinner drink in front of the wood-burning fire.”

Finally, the upper floor houses private spaces and bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms. Though removed from the fluid openness to the creek and forest below, each room features floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views of the tranquil natural environment.

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With the surrounding landscapes serving as year-round natural ‘art installations’ in the background, the interiors were kept to a refined simplicity with a restrained palette of concrete floors, oak, marble, natural linens, and soft whites. 

Peppered throughout the crisp spaces are curated old-world pieces, including an old French armoire sourced from an antique market in Gordes, France, positioned next to a Le Corbusier chair—each item thoughtfully chosen to add historical depth and authenticity to the home.

“I have always loved special pieces my in-law’s would use in their homes despite their totally contemporary aesthetic,” says Mary. “We are definitely taking a page out of their book and love mixing family treasures with modern icons.”

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Life in a passive house achieves remarkable efficiency thanks to its minimal environmental impact. Aligning with the region’s Step Code for reducing CO2 emissions, the residence consumes up to 90 per cent less heating and cooling energy than conventional buildings. 

The home incorporates a solar photovoltaic system for renewable energy generation and a Mechanical Heat Recovery Ventilation (MHRV) system–a standard requirement for Passive Houses.

“Often called the lungs of the house, it brings in fresh air on a continuous cycle,” Mary explains. “Having a constant supply of fresh, filtered air, free of particle and volatile organic compound (VOC) pollution, mold and allergens significantly reduces the risk of respiratory illness, asthma, and allergies.

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“Through ingenuity and planning we can create very high-performance buildings that will use very little energy and no fossil fuels in their lifespan,” concludes Cedric, principal architect at Burgers Architecture. 

“Our home provides an example of this approach that we hope will show people how we can live well though differently, and alleviate any anxiety on what actions are necessary and appropriate [for future builds].”

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