Killick House

This new home takes its name from the Killick Coast, where it sits on the Northeast Avalon Peninsula, on the island of Newfoundland.

This two-storey, wood framed house was designed for a couple relocating to the island with the desire for an ocean view and strong connection to the landscape.  The detailing of the home was to be minimal and crisp, focusing on efficiency in relation to both energy consumption and layout.

The house is a direct response to the natural topography of the site and its dramatic, ever-changed environment. The home is orientated lengthwise along an east-west axis, maximizing the potential for solar gain as well as northern views to the Atlantic Ocean.  The house was carefully sited among existing spruce trees to preserve vegetation and provide shelter from prevailing North Atlantic winds.  The wedge shape of the house rises to provide a work/ study loft with 270-degree view above the treetops.  A carport is used to provide both a sheltered entry space and privacy from the public street.

The main floor features an open kitchen, living, and dining area beneath a sloped, wood-clad ceiling that creates a dynamic yet calm interior volume. A centrally located woodstove is capable of heating the primary living spaces, while a skylight above the kitchen introduces consistent diffuse daylight in all weather conditions. A tall “keyhole” portal marks the transition to the more private areas of the plan, including the primary bedroom, bathroom, and utility room.

The second level space contains an open office area/ crafting station, ideal for working from home and indulging in hobbies.   A custom wood ladder provides access to a guest sleeping loft positioned upon a compact powder room with utility sink.  This floor offers a tremendous view of the Ocean and surrounding landscape, warmed by another small wood burning stove.

Clear stained wood, exposed concrete, earthy tiles and colours are used throughout the interiors, rooting the house into the landscape.    The eclectic collection of furniture, light fixtures and other decorative pieces was carefully curated by the owners over the years.  It includes many pieces that were rescued and repurposed, now existing in harmony with the newer elements of the home.

Design Team: Chris Woodford, Kathy Oke, Devan Burry, Keita Foley-Tanaka, Emma Hookey