British Columbian temple home

November 6, 5:45 PMSan Diego Interior Decorating ExaminerLori Smith

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  "Authentic architecture requires oneness with the site, the client, the materials and the cosmic energy dance." --architect Henry Yorke Mann.

This beautiful 2,000-square-foot abode was designed by architect Henry Yorke Mann on Gambier Island off the coast of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. Mann's design is post-and-beam construction with the use of solid red cedar planks that were forested from close by the site in dense areas. The design concept was to build a home that was in spiritual harmony with its environment by creating a unique structure that has features resembling  that of a Japanese temple. Design elements of the home includes many large windows with views to the ocean, recycled brick masonry, and deep overhangs on the outside structure to prevent the house from getting too hot in the summer but enabling enough sun to filter in in the winter to heat the home. The only way to travel to this private retreat is by water taxi or private boat from Vancouver Island.

 For only $200 per night the Ramus Residence is now open for guest accommodations to lodge in this amazing wooden dwelling and be one with nature.

                                               This front entrance was designed by the architect to be a cave entrance where visitors are compelled to bow as a spiritual act before entering the home.

                                               The design concept for the living room is based on a mandala shape that is geometric in pattern and represents a sacred space. This same pattern is repeated on the ceiling.

                                               The homes main source of heat comes from the wood burning brick fireplace featured here. Once fired up in the morning it can retain heat and disperse it throughout the day.

                                               The dining room features a built in table and bench chairs that are very rustic and charming.

                                               The kitchen features a skylight and a lot of glazing to emit natural daylighting as well as a round patio door next to the dining table designed by the architect that leads to the ocean. 

                                               The highlights of the master bedroom includes a vaulted ceiling with a large skylight, masonry fireplace and stunning views of the ocean.

                                               The master is its own private retreat, tucked away from the rest of the home by being located on the second floor with a private deck that boasts an amazing ocean view.

                                             Mann designed the master bath in such a way that each part, the shower, water closet and sink would be its own separate entity and have some level of privacy. The bath also features a round portal window with a view to the ocean.

                                              Guest bathroom on the main floor.

                                               The home faces the ocean with its front property expanding out to the water. The reason for all the concrete abutments that are attached to the structure of the home to protect the dwelling from seismic activity. Gambier Island is located on a zone that has the highest earthquake intensity rating.