Nestled in the breathtaking Canadian Rocky Mountains, a stunning 3,500-square-foot residence at the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort serves as a central gathering place for an active family of five. The architectural vision of Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, brought to life by HR Pacific, seamlessly integrates this year-round home with its spectacular alpine surroundings. A key element in this architectural success is the custom-designed 20 ft. 8.5″ Schweiss Hydraulic One-Piece Garage Door, clad in Clear Heart Western Red Cedar, which complements the home’s timberframe construction and natural materials.
Architectural Integration and Design Philosophy
The residence is strategically designed to embrace the landscape, with two distinct elements: a compact northern bar housing private spaces and an open-plan living area oriented towards the majestic mountain views. A central glass volume connects these forms, featuring the main entrance on the lower level and ski access on the west side. This thoughtful layout ensures a sense of openness and transparency while maintaining privacy from neighboring properties.
The primary entrance is marked by two concrete walls, leading to a mahogany and steel staircase. Inside, a single line of steel columns emphasizes the angled roof planes, which extend to form an articulated metal wall with operable vents, bringing natural light and ventilation to the loft spaces.
The Schweiss Hydraulic Door: A Seamless Addition
A defining feature of the home’s exterior is the Schweiss One-Piece Hydraulic Designer Door. Measuring 20 ft. 8.5″ x 8.1 ft, this custom door is clad in Clear Heart Western Red Cedar, mirroring the home’s primary exterior material. It is equipped with essential safety features, including electric photo eye sensors and a door base safety edge, along with a remote opener for convenience.
Raymond Calabro, Architect and Principal for Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, expressed his satisfaction with the Schweiss door: “The reason we used a hydraulic door was because we liked the cleanness of the one-piece door and the detail of the jambs in particular. From an architectural perspective it’s fantastic. We really like the product, the appearance of it and the way it can be integrated seamlessly with the exterior materials of the house.”
The architectural firm discovered Schweiss doors through an internet search for commercial garage door products that did not require conventional jamb conditions. Their specific need for a flush-mounted door with minimal jamb protrusion, installed between two exposed concrete walls, made the Schweiss hydraulic door an ideal solution.
Construction and Sustainable Practices
HR Pacific, the general contractor for the project, has extensive experience building at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. David Ratzlaff, President of HR Pacific, highlighted the home’s numerous architectural awards and the company’s commitment to “Green Initiative” practices. These include geothermal heating, heat recovery and ventilation systems, and high-efficiency boiler and furnace systems. HR Pacific also utilizes LEED Approved Icynene Insulation, Atlas Energy Shield exterior wall insulation, and locally sourced Douglas Fir timber.
Building on a mountainside presents unique challenges, particularly concerning snow load and thaw cycles. Ratzlaff noted the importance of careful drainage and snow management to address these conditions effectively.
Collaboration and Architectural Excellence
The collaboration between Bohlin Cywinski Jackson and HR Pacific resulted in a home that is both architecturally striking and highly functional. The Schweiss hydraulic door was installed with precision, a testament to the careful planning and execution required for such a unique application.
David Ratzlaff further commented on the door: “The whole point of it was it’s located at the front face of the house and we had to make it look like it wasn’t a garage door. Making it look good with a precise fit and hiding pipes and controls obviously makes the house. That’s why you use an architect to make it look 100 percent. We love the door, you aren’t going to buy it because it’s the cheapest door out there, for architectural design unique application homes it’s an ideal product. If we have another application like this, we would definitely use Schweiss Doors, they come with a good reputation and are very well built, heavy-duty and easy to insulate. The people at Schweiss were very helpful. If a world-class architect specifies you guys, it must be for a good reason.”
About the Firms Involved
HR Pacific Construction Management is a reputable general contractor known for its innovative building systems and sustainable practices. With offices in Golden and Vancouver, BC, they specialize in architecturally designed homes in unique and remote locations.
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson (BJC) is an acclaimed architectural firm with a reputation for elegant and humane design. Founded in 1965, BJC has received numerous awards for its work, emphasizing client collaboration and thorough research.
Nic Lehoux Architectural Photography captures the essence of architectural projects with a unique style that emphasizes spatial relationships and light.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, proximity to national parks, and exceptional skiing and outdoor recreational opportunities.
