In the mid nineties the Hansens retired from their Norwegian based business and purchased 60 acre Sturt Island right beside the Surge Narrows tidal rapids. They have subsequently worked very hard clearing land to establish a beautiful homestead with some fine log cabins, gardens and solar based electrical system. Committed now to the rigorous coastal life style they wanted a substantial main house of approximately 5000 sq ft to accommodate a comfortable and dignified retirement. It should have rustic West Coast character blending into the beautiful surroundings but also include sophisticated cosmopolitan detail.

They chose to build on an inspiring but challenging site on a fine rocky bluff nestled unobtrusively into the forest but opening out to the ocean with spectacular views down Hoskyn Channel. The bluff was split by a narrow horizontal gully which provided access from the main area of the homestead entering through a lower basement level.

The main floor of the house forms a Y shape spanning across the gully. An extensive twin post and beam frame supports an open cathedral ceiling throughout the house highlighted by ridge skylights.

Builder TOELLE CONSTRUCTION

TESTIMONIAL

We are working on our house and enjoying every day of it. At every point of the progress we see the timber structure evolve more and more. We are glad you suggested the timber frame structure and are especially happy about implementing the kneebraces. As the internal walls are coming up we see that all rooms will enjoy the abundance of light from the ridge lights. You have designed a great house on a complicated site and we are looking forward to the day we can move in.
Thanks Rob,
Trudy and Kaare Hansen - Sturt Island - April 2002

TREE OF LIFE HOLISTIC VETERINARY CLINIC
COURTENAY

Over the last twenty years Dr Marlene Smith has developed a holistic veterinary consulting practice for the Courtenay area specializing in acupuncture, herbal medicine, homeopathy, chiropractic treatment, physiotherapy and energy healing. In August 2001 she decided the time was right to have a new building to house her developing business, the first veterinary clinic in Canada devoted exclusively to alternate practice. She asked for a modestly priced building designed to reflect the natural healing aspect of her business with its inherent respect for animals and nature.

The client's interest in the ancient Chinese practices extended to Feng Shui some of whose disciplines were used in the design. The walls of the building are made with concrete styrofoam sandwich system which helps with sound and heat insulation as well as fire proofing. The main floor is also concrete with a decorative finish and in floor hot water heating pipes.

Builder CRAIG SEALLE

TESTIMONIAL

Dear Rob,
I asked for the building to fit in with the West Coast landscape. I didn't want just a square box. It should be Feng Shui designed so that the Chi energy would flow in the building but at the same time it had to be practical with economic use of space. I wanted a beautiful building that was affordable with good value for money.You have helped accomplish all of the above.

What I liked about working with you was that you tried very hard to figure out what it was I wanted and then you put it on paper rather than relying on prescribed or pre-existing plans. What we have now is a unique and stunning building that is comfortable and a pleasure to work in - amazing for a commercial building.

Dr Marlene Smith - Courtenay BC - March 2002

Mr Gary Ruddell has been coming up from California every summer to fish in the Campbell River area since he was a child. In spite of the decline in fishing in recent years he has fallen in love with both  the natural beauty and the local lifestyle and purchased a Whiskey Point lot on Quadra Island to build a new summer and eventually retirement home. Mrs Ruddell has a flare for hospitality and she took a keen interest in the design ensuring every detail be carefully considered to reflect the needs of guests while reflecting the spectacular beauty of the site.

Responding to these criteria the design evolved with three separate structures linked by covered walkways, Two smaller units housing the master bedroom suite and the guest bedroom suite respectively and one larger unit housing the main open volume living area with an open loft office space, utility rooms  and connected garage. Approximately three thousand square feet in total the three buildings nestle their backs into the rocky forested cliffs and front directly over the steep bluffs to the spectacular views of the Discovery Passage and the mountain skyline of Strathcona Park.

The building sits directly  onto bedrock with conc floors throughout complete with hot water heating coils. Respect for the natural beauty is reflected in the use of natural stained cedar for all external walls fascias and trims while inside the open volume living room is accentuated by use of three beautifully crafted (parallel chord) heavy timbered  trusses made from local recycled old growth fir.

Builder Kent O'Neill of J Tolle Construction

TESTIMONIAL

"My first trip to Campbell River was in 1955 at the ripe old age of 10. It was an instant love affair. After 45 years, my wife, Connie, and I bought a one acre lot perched on the bluffs of Whiskey Point with spectacular views of Discovery Passage and Vancouver Island. As we talked to local builders, realtors, bankers, and tradesmen we consistently were told that Rob Wood was the right designer for us.

Rob designed the home that "we" were looking for. A home that has a rustic feel with all of the modern amenities. He crafted a "cluster" effect of three buildings on a very difficult building pad. He studied the views for days and oriented each part of the house in a manner that maximized those views. We stressed that we wanted an "environmentally friendly" home. One from which we could see for miles, but not "be" seen for miles. He fulfilled all of our expectations and then some. He even came to California and spent a week with us to get a feel for our life style. Rob gave us 100% and the end result reflects that."
Connie and Gary Ruddell