Double High House is an elegant and efficient re-interpretation of the typical suburban site plan, designed by Checkwitch Poiron Architects, located in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada.

The slender form is positioned against the long north edge of the site in order to maximize the solar exposure to the south. A 22 foot south facing sliding door system connects the main living space with the wooden deck and landscape, blurring the line between interior and exterior.

The 2,200 square foot floorplan is a connected flow of open and overlapping spaces. In addition to the passive solar scheme, further efficiency is achieved through in-floor radiant hydronic heating, natural ventilation, a heat recovery ventilator and an efficient lighting design.

Checkwitch Poiron Architects Inc. (CPA) is an internationally award-winning architectural firm with offices in Nanaimo and Vancouver, British Columbia. Its founding partners, David Poiron and Ben Checkwitch, met in 1990 while earning their Environmental Studies degrees from the University of Manitoba. CPA works closely with its clients to gain a well-rounded understanding of the challenges and opportunities within each project. Every project is designed by both partners, allowing clients to draw upon the unique skills that David and Ben bring to the table. Their hands-on approach with contractors and construction sites lets them fully engage with the building process in order to achieve the highest quality possible. Their attention to detail and administration of the construction process have resulted in a history of producing buildings that are on-schedule, on-budget, and serve as a source of pride for the clients and communities they serve.

Photos: Concept Photography