A Wood Composite Screen that brings to life an unique project
The Elbow House, by Studio North, seamlessly integrates aesthetic and functionality using NewTechWood architectural beams.
There are always essential considerations when turning ideas into reality. Maintenance, installation costs, and similar factors are crucial for transforming an idea from your mind, from the clouds, into something tangible in the real world.
Elbow House, an architectural gem designed by Studio North, perfectly combines modern design with sustainable materials. Located beside the Elbow River in Calgary, Alberta, this house features NewTechWood’s red cedar beams, which contribute to its airy and floating appearance.
Project Overview
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Designers: Damon Hayes, Hayden Pattullo, Saaraa Premji-Mitha (Studio North)
Product Used: NewTechWood Red Cedar Beams
The Elbow House project focused on creating a stunning design while maintaining its connection to the surrounding environment. The introduction of NewTechWood red cedar beams played a pivotal role in achieving this balance.
Wood Composite Screen
The goal of the screen is to serve a programmatic need to provide privacy, but also cast a quality of light and shadow which transforms throughout the day and throughout the seasons of a year.
It also serves for multiple purposes:
Aesthetic Appeal: The screen enhances the visual appeal of the house, giving it a distinctive and modern look that mimics the appearance of natural wood.
Functionality: It provides privacy while allowing light and air to flow through, creating a comfortable living space.
Low Maintenance: The use of NewTechWood beams ensures durability and minimal upkeep, making it an ideal choice for long-term sustainability.
Framing Views: Whenever there’s a screen that’s not in front of a window, it creates a portal that frames a view line. For instance, in the primary bedroom space, there’s a large window that gives a prominent view through to the Elbow River.
Designer's Perspective
“The slat screen is the character defining formal reference of the project, allying the feeling of real wood, a strong visual identity and low maintenance”, explains the designer Hayden Patullo This choice reflects the clients’ desire for a design that is both aesthetically pleasing and functionally effective.
When the designers were envisioning the screen, they thought about it on two levels. One is more of the anchoring element that anchors the house to the side. The second level is more of an ephemeral, private space.
“We wanted the material to be airy and belong in the sky – almost like thinking about trees. They’re vertical, they’re up in the sky, and this Red Cedar product allows it to blend into the natural landscape. Visually speaking, the screen exists in the realm of being ephemeral, having that connection to the sky and the clouds.”
– Hayden Patullo, architect designer
Environmental Considerations
The Elbow House concept emphasizes its minimal environmental impact. The use of sustainable materials like NewTechWood beams, combined with design elements that enhance natural light, reinforces the commitment to eco-friendly living.
“Our initial concepts really wanted to be kind of a wooden material but knowing that wood just doesn’t age the best over time. We had to think about an alternative material. NewTechWood Canada offered a solution because it has that feeling of wood, but also presented a practical solution for providing a product that would be low maintenance.”
The Elbow House conception
Small Beams - UH17 - Red Cedar
Elbow House
Studio North
Design Studio, Calgary (AB)Studio North designs and builds for individuals who share their passion for unique and inspiring spaces, appreciating the value of thoughtful design and craftsmanship. Specializing in custom homes, heritage renovations, multi-family developments, laneway housing, and public art in Calgary and the Bow Valley, they are dedicated to creating contextually-sensitive, meticulously executed projects from start to finish.
With a thoughtful, hands-on approach to both design and construction, Studio North ensures that every project positively impacts clients and the community for years to come.
