Gambier – Gambier Island

This Gambier Series project on Gambier Island is the original design that established the series, and an award-winning example of remote coastal construction. At 2,585 sq. ft., this three-bedroom, two-and-a-half-bathroom home was designed for a site accessible only by barge and water taxi, positioned above the waterfront within a dense coastal forest.

Completed in just eight months, the project was developed using a pre-manufactured building system to address the logistical challenges of the site while maintaining a high level of architectural detail. The home received a Georgie Award for Best Custom Home in its category, recognizing both its design and execution.

The layout is centered around a signature gallery hallway, where clerestory windows introduce soft, indirect light and create a calm, balanced interior environment well suited for displaying artwork. The open concept living area includes a grand music room and a great room anchored by a custom fireplace, with natural materials reinforcing a strong connection to the surrounding West Coast landscape.

The design responds to both view and setting, balancing outward connections to the water with a grounded relationship to the forest. Carefully adapted to the site’s topography, the home incorporates a tram system for access and expansive covered decks that support year-round use of the landscape. The surrounding environment extends directly to the home, with wildlife frequently moving through the site.

The Efficiency of Prefabrication
Building on an island site like Gambier Island requires a high level of coordination. For this project, the home was constructed using structural insulated panels for both walls and roof, paired with an insulated concrete form foundation to provide durability, thermal stability, and long-term performance in a coastal environment.

Roof panels were pre-finished with membrane prior to delivery, allowing the structure to reach the lock-up stage quickly once on site. This approach minimized on-site labour and reduced exposure to coastal weather conditions, which is critical in remote locations with limited access.

By combining SIP construction with an ICF foundation, the home benefits from a highly efficient and tightly controlled building envelope, helping maintain consistent interior conditions while responding to the demands of the surrounding climate. This approach supports a more controlled and predictable construction process in complex site conditions.