White Rock Corten-Clad Home Tops Nova Scotia Valley

On the exterior, large windows overlook the Gaspereau River Valley on the north, while narrow windows frame distant natural features to the east and west, respectively. Although its shape is distinct, the simple structure is meant to appear subdued within the context of nature, according to Gandhi.

“We envisioned White Rock as a nature observatory – a place for shelter and repose high above the forest canopy where the only distractions are the distant changes in the sky and the moment-to-moment sounds of the forests; a place where simply sitting and staring can disarm and renew a weary soul,” Gandhi told.

“It’s a very simple, geometric form hovering above its forest floor; it’s not inherently connected to a style or a place, just itself and its parts,” he continued. “Yet it optimally finds its place within the context of the site and the landscape and the atmosphere. Its steel cladding and confident form holds its own within the context of the incredible Canadian landscape around it.”

The corten steel “roots” it to nature, as its colour is reminiscent of the distinct minerals in the area, while the heavy volume sits atop of thin legs, allowing the structure to elevate from the hillside, mimicking the foundation of a duck blind in its form.

“The conceptual architecture is formally sculptural – informing a hierarchy of massing and colour that yields a simply defined interior,” said Gandhi. “There are specific ideas of volume, proportion and light; ways for inhabitants to find retreat and complete joy inside of their surroundings.”

The two-storey structure is accessed by foot through a series of low-lying rock paths leading to a camouflaged corten steel door integrated into the facade. On the first floor, smoked oak panels line the minimal interiors for an intentionally sombre environment of subtle offerings including oak shelves lined with neatly folded Belgium linens and industrial wall fixtures for lighting.

The dark composted palette mimics the ground of the forest, according to the designer, with large windows offering a few views of the surrounding trees and woods. An all-white bathroom evokes a Japanese-style bathhouse, with a fully glass shower space offering an “illusion of glacial submersion” where users can rinse among the forest.

The second level releases into a high volume with a large, curved panoramic window that wraps the edge of the structure.

Drawing those inside outwards, it offers invites to a rooftop terrace lined with Japanese Maple trees, creating what Gandhi called a “very discreet, Instagram-worthy spot to sunbathe, chill, and contemplate the environment.”

The main bedroom opens to the kitchen and living space, which follows a Japanese style minimalism with modern elements and gathers objects of craft.

Against one wall stainless pop-up cabinets hide modern Fisher & Paykel appliances between oak wood furnishings designed in collaboration with local artists. Its wood burning fireplace was custom designed to fit the structure, with chairs and benches informing the peaceful setting.

“This homes very simple, ‘back to basics nature provides myriad health benefits,” said the designer. “Things like privacy and quiet, a naturally-built structure, windows and sunlight, good ventilation, mindful design and little to no electromagnetic radiation contribute directly to mood and mental balance.”

White Rock features multiple design details including custom tambour pulls made specifically by Concord Lighting and herringbone micro floor parquet. It is the fourth structure to be completed by The Nova Civilisation Project – a multi-dwelling endeavour that Gandhi and his wife have been operating for twenty years, What’s more, they co-designed the interiors for together.

“Our process for Nova designs is unconventional and informal compared to ours with clients,” Gandhi told us. “My wife and I sit together at our table after friends have gone home after dinner or whenever we find the time.”

“We look at inspiring places, spaces, and features that make us pause,” he continued.

“After we talked over the ways that we wanted White Rock to feel and function, I drew it in a few different ways, starting with a few site-inspired sketches until something resonated with both of us – always thinking about ways to raise the bar from the last Nova design.”

Currently, White Rock offers panoramic views of the Gaspereau River Valley and surrounding landscape and forested areas.

“In truth, I think the magic comes from the sense of drama juxtaposed with the ultimate simplicity and restraint,” said Gandhi. “The detailed quirks and curation as much as the honesty of the architecture.”

“I hope the work reflects who we are; humans from imperfect yet interesting narratives who want to evoke a sense of expansive, open-minded, deeply human, and totally joyful emotion when someone sees our work and wants to live in one of our designs,” he continued. “And joy can come in many different ways – sometimes as humour or extreme juxtaposition, sometimes as drama or contradiction or beauty.”