Posts Standing (The Ramus Residence)

Posts Standing: a Residence on Gambier Island

Program + Client

The program called for an average-sized home (2000 sq. ft) that would enhance the site through an appropriate and substantial architecture. The clients are a creative couple whose occupations take them all over the globe, so the house is intended to be a year-round refuge offering an antidote for their hectic lives.

They requested that primary rooms have natural light on at least two sides, that a minimum number of trees be removed from the site and that the limitations of building on an island be respected. The basic domestic requirements are complemented by a studio and a bedroom for guest or future family.

Context + Site

A wooded, rocky waterfront site on Gambier Island, located off the West Coast of BC. The Southeast view is of Howe Sound and Bowen Island. Pedestrian access is by scheduled water taxi or small ferry. Vehicular access is by hired barge only.

Budget + Time Constraints

Construction costs were monitored using bi-weekly spreadsheets, which were then reviewed with client and architect. The builder's deep commitment to the project fostered an atmosphere of on-going communication. This allowed the home to evolve in an organic manner, with modifications proposed and discussed by all parties.

For financial reasons, the clients requested that the project be constructed over three summers.

Sustainability + Construction

A serious concern by all parties for sustainability issues produced the following responses: Deep overhangs to reduce summer solar heat gain and protect the building from the elements while permitting winter solar heat gain. Ample windows and careful roof positioning for morning sun penetration deep into all the house. Post and bean construction with large logs and timbers to minimize processing energy use and optimize potential re-cycling as compared with standard dimension lumber. Primary heat source of a high-efficiency wood-burning masonry heater that is fired once daily, using the thermal mass as a heat sink (all masonry is recycled brick) Prevention of sick building syndrome through the use of breathing solid wood interior and exterior walls (treated only with drying oils) Thorough analysis and judicious building placement to eliminate blasting on this rocky site. Some of the steps taken in order to minimize pollution, transportation fuel use, and impact of construction on the island include: Both log harvesting and timber milling was done on Gambier Island. Concrete was hand-mixed using local aggregates. Contractor utilized older, traditional methods of raising timbers so that heavy equipment would not be required. Crews lived on the island throughout construction. Gambier Island is in a zone with the highest earthquake intensity rating. Bolting the cedar posts to concrete abutments that extend up from the foundation provides the lateral support required for seismic resistance.

Theory + Design Principles

The intent and spirit of this project is expressed in a quote from Robert McCarter. "...to endeavour to make present the ancient understanding of building as a sacred act and building as sacred spaces." This aspiration is reflected in the desire of both architect and client to create an architecture of quiet strength through the poetic expression of the construction. Rooted in the landscape, the building both invigorates the site and offers the inhabitants a profound relationship to place. The choice of straightforward post and beam construction with hip roofs responds not only to the exigencies of the program and site, but provides a link to the archetypal nature of dwelling. This home is a result of the coming together of people with common heart and purpose.