Container House by Mcleod Bovell Modern Houses

Designers: Mcleod Bovell Modern Houses
Project Team: Matt Mcleod & Lisa Bovell
Builder: JBR Construction
Photography: Ema Peter

A panoramic window provides the open living space with expansive views and an abundant amount of natural sunlight.
A panoramic window provides the open living space with expansive views and an abundant amount of natural sunlight.
The pool terrace includes an exterior staircase for a seamless connection on the upper balcony.
The pool terrace includes an exterior staircase for a seamless connection on the upper balcony.
The balcony has tiled flooring, glass railings, and a wood-paneled accent wall that extends to the ceiling providing warmth and comfort.
The balcony has tiled flooring, glass railings, and a wood-paneled accent wall that extends to the ceiling providing warmth and comfort.
The spacious balcony includes a sunken sitting area perfect for lounging.
The spacious balcony includes a sunken sitting area perfect for lounging.
The primary bathroom offers a large vanity and a deep soaking tub illuminated by a linear skylight.
The primary bathroom offers a large vanity and a deep soaking tub illuminated by a linear skylight.
This living area features built-in cabinets and a fireplace under a modern staircase.
This living area features built-in cabinets and a fireplace under a modern staircase.
Exterior view of the house showcasing its cantilevered volume fitted with a sleek picture window.
Exterior view of the house showcasing its cantilevered volume fitted with a sleek picture window.
Main level floor plan of the Container House.
Main level floor plan of the Container House.
Lower level floor plan of the Container House.
Lower level floor plan of the Container House.
Section 1 of the Container House.
Section 1 of the Container House.

Container House was commissioned by a couple near retirement who requested a compact and simplified living arrangement—spaces that offered the ease of an apartment with the addition of large inviting covered outdoor areas. Perched high above the ground on a steep property, this house afforded the opportunity for a bright and open house that was not possible on the couple’s previous property, a flat and heavily forested lot.

Although planning guidelines would have allowed for a slightly larger three-storey house, a two-storey scheme was selected in order to explore the architectural possibility of split-level planning while minimizing vertical travel within the house. Essential programs for daily living are located on the main floor, with secondary bedrooms, an office, and recreation room on the lower floor.

The garage at a split level between the two floors meant distances from the car are less than a full storey. This arrangement generated a series of spaces which are expansive yet intimately connected horizontally and vertically.

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