Post and Beam

Growing up in Vancouver, one of my earliest influences in modern design was Post and Beam residential architecture. During the 1950s and 60s, they were celebrated inside and outside Canada for the way in which they related to the spectacular scenery and temperate climate of the West Coast.

Sitting on rocky outcrops, in between large cedar and fir trees, their streamlined edges seemed to become part of the landscape and at the same time add their own unique form; both complementing each other without being overwhelmed.

Perhaps given the era, not much thought was given to the practicalities of insulation and energy efficiency and, combined with being sadly misunderstood, many of these amazing houses have disappeared or been badly altered during refurbishment.