olson kundig connects ski house in whistler, canada, with a glass-walled bridge

tom kundig of seattle-based architecture and design firm olson kundig has designed a ski house in whistler, canada, whose two separate structures are connected via a 24-meter-long (80 ft) glass-walled bridge. surrounded by the coast mountains of western canada, the family retreat is built to withstand the harsh exterior environment. with simple crank and switch controls, its façade can transform from glass-clad to semi-exposed with raw-edged douglas fir louvers, to completely protected with weathered steel. as such, the custom-designed horizontal shutter system creates privacy while protecting upholstery and art from harsh snow glare.all images courtesy of olson kundig

olson kundig has elevated the house’s main level three meters (10 ft) above ground, providing a sense of occupying the tree canopy while also floating above snowdrifts and the flood-prone lake shore. the main façade is clad in a custom-designed horizontal shutter system, which allows it to transform from glass, to raw-edged douglas fir louvers, to weathered steel depending on the desired level of protection and privacy.

‘this mountain home is almost completely wrapped in operable devices to protect it from weather conditions,’ explains tom kundig. ‘its glazing can be fully exposed, or totally buttoned up, or somewhere in between.’

the residence is designed as two separate structures, connected by a glass-walled bridge that not only creates privacy between the two wings but also weaves through a grouping of evergreens. by spreading out the house across the site, trees were preserved while views were maximized with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook a mountain lake stretching across the foot of the property on one side, and a forest of firs, hemlocks and aspens on the other side.

project info:

name: whistler ski house

architect: olson kundig

design principal: tom kundig

project manager/project architect: steve grim

staff: alivia owens, evan harlan