A symphony of light

“The stacking of the rectangular volumes forms a distinctive architectural signature. This approach creates a play of solids and voids along the facades, revealing light-filled living spaces strategically oriented towards the sun and panoramic views,” says Herr.

Skillfully integrated outdoor terraces extend the living space, offering landscaped exterior spaces that blend seamlessly with the interior. Flooded with natural light through generous windows facing an inner courtyard on two levels, the residence offers a private outdoor space, protected from the elements and sunlight by adjustable sunshades.

The clever interlocking of volumes on the exterior facades also serves to maximize ceiling heights. With a clear height of nearly 12 feet in living spaces and 9 feet in bedrooms and related rooms, this architectural design provides a sense of space and grandeur while preserving thoughtful privacy.

“Our original plan was to have a traditional elevator in the home. Then the owner suggested the Savaria Vuelift elevator, and once we saw it, we knew we had to make it a focal point of the design,” says Herr. “We ended up centering the elevator in the main stair, and on the ground floor it lets out into the foyer of the main entrance. It’s striking.”

Unlike traditional elevators, where visual appeal is limited to finishes inside the cab—and the lift itself is typically hidden in a closed shaft—the Savaria Vuelift makes the mechanism itself into an aesthetic showpiece.

“With the Vuelift, you want to put it in a position where it will be seen,” says Herr. “It’s beautiful both inside and outside. Even the small part of the elevator mechanics that are visible with this unit just adds a touch of industrial chic.”

On the upper level, those high ceilings and a glass wall merge the interior with the exterior. Abundant natural light floods this streamlined space, where meticulous attention has been paid to the integration of technical elements. A layered ceiling conceals ventilation and indirect ambient lighting, incorporating curtain boxes that ingeniously integrate returns and air diffusers.

For the transition between floors, A central thermo-lacquered steel staircase, maple steps, and glass handrails contribute to the grandeur of the place. And centered in the stairs is the Savaria Vuelift Octagonal panoramic home elevator.

The panoramic elevator’s ability to both reflect and dissipate light also intrigued the designers. “The acrylic hoistway reflects natural light from windows into other spaces in the home,” Herr says. “It was really interesting to play between the elevator and the staircase around it, and how it affected the light, especially near East-facing windows. The real-life result is even better than we imagined during the design phase.”

The only point of contention between architects and client? “Charles and I originally wanted the Round model,” Herr laughs. “But once we got hold of the BIMs of the Vuelift Octagonal and started modelling and got deeper into the design of the project, we realized the Octagonal is a really architectural shape to work with in a residential project—especially one like Mountain Cove with all of its interesting angles and shapes. We were sold from that point on.”