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Project posted by Dwell

Sliding House

View 12 Photos
Location
Nova Scotia, Canada
Structure
House (Single Residence)
Style
Modern
Imagined as a jewel box on a hill, Sliding House takes the place of a barn that once stood on this Nova Scotia site. Its form follows the slope of the land, while the windows are parallel with the horizon, setting up a tension between a plumb interior and a slanted exterior. The tilt of the structure isn’t just a visual trick—it also helps the roof to drain. When the distinctive windows are lit from within, the house serves as a beacon for local sailors.
Imagined as a jewel box on a hill, Sliding House takes the place of a barn that once stood on this Nova Scotia site. Its form follows the slope of the land, while the windows are parallel with the horizon, setting up a tension between a plumb interior and a slanted exterior. The tilt of the structure isn’t just a visual trick—it also helps the roof to drain. When the distinctive windows are lit from within, the house serves as a beacon for local sailors.
The interior of locally milled poplar contrasts with the home’s metal exterior. Thanks to the six-degree pitch of the site, the dining area leads directly to the yard, while the living room ends with a balcony that’s high above the ground.
The interior of locally milled poplar contrasts with the home’s metal exterior. Thanks to the six-degree pitch of the site, the dining area leads directly to the yard, while the living room ends with a balcony that’s high above the ground.
At the IKEA dining table, David Peters and his son, Dashel, enjoy a meal from a Paderno stainless-steel pot made on Prince Edward Island.
At the IKEA dining table, David Peters and his son, Dashel, enjoy a meal from a Paderno stainless-steel pot made on Prince Edward Island.
The focal point of the home is the long Alumicor window that reveals the slope of the site.
The focal point of the home is the long Alumicor window that reveals the slope of the site.
Over time, the salt air will soften the appearance of the exterior’s Galvalume cladding.
Over time, the salt air will soften the appearance of the exterior’s Galvalume cladding.
Stairwells and service areas utilize knotted planks. “It’s akin to stepping offstage into the wings,” resident Rhonda Rubinstein says of the transition.
Stairwells and service areas utilize knotted planks. “It’s akin to stepping offstage into the wings,” resident Rhonda Rubinstein says of the transition.
“At Sliding House, the outside world is more present,” says Rhonda, “always visible through the sliver of window that runs across the length of the house and down to the ground.” The living area’s Carter leather sectional is by Gus Modern, and the boat carving is by local folk artist Bradford Naugler. The family sought to source Canadian furnishings and materials as much as possible.
“At Sliding House, the outside world is more present,” says Rhonda, “always visible through the sliver of window that runs across the length of the house and down to the ground.” The living area’s Carter leather sectional is by Gus Modern, and the boat carving is by local folk artist Bradford Naugler. The family sought to source Canadian furnishings and materials as much as possible.
The custom bed features under-mattress drawers.
The custom bed features under-mattress drawers.
The tile-clad bathroom offers one of the home’s only breaks in material, with a wall-mounted Swing 85 ceramic sink by Artceram
The tile-clad bathroom offers one of the home’s only breaks in material, with a wall-mounted Swing 85 ceramic sink by Artceram
The poplar desk at the end of the master bedroom loft looks down on the living areas beneath the slanted, wood-clad ceiling. The compact interior of the house was inspired by ship-building techniques, with built-in furniture and storage throughout.
The poplar desk at the end of the master bedroom loft looks down on the living areas beneath the slanted, wood-clad ceiling. The compact interior of the house was inspired by ship-building techniques, with built-in furniture and storage throughout.

From Dwell

Imagined as a jewel box on a hill, Sliding House takes the place of a barn that once stood on this Nova Scotia site. Its form follows the slope of the land, while the windows are parallel with the horizon, setting up a tension between a plumb interior and a slanted exterior. The tilt of the structure isn’t just a visual trick—it also helps the roof to drain. When the distinctive windows are lit from within, the house serves as a beacon for local sailors.