Home and hospitality in an all-seasons greenhouse

Overlooking downtown Calgary from the inner-city community of Albert Park, this quaint mid-century bungalow is an experiment in enhanced residential density. The main floor suite, basement suite, and garage have been sensitively redesigned and create three discrete and compact spaces that share a common greenhouse and courtyard.

The solarium addition to the south of the house was designed as an all seasons greenhouse that provides a shared indoor/outdoor gathering space which unites all three dwellings. A terraced deck with integrated garden planters and seating presents an array of potential configurations for relaxing and entertaining. The garden, designed in collaboration with local permaculturalists, is intended to thrive with minimal maintenance to suit the shifting schedule of the client. The space is centered around a fireplace built into the entryway of the solarium, creating a small entry “hut” of charred cedar, following the Japanese technique of Shou Sugi Ban.