A Study in Simplicity – River Retreat by Edwards White Architects

Built by McKay Construction in collaboration with Merchant Industries and with landscape design also by Edward White Architects, River Retreat sits just shy of 100 square metres. From approach, visitors are led up a singular path, slightly offset from the entry, along a wall of vertical cedar screens and up onto the deck. The informality of the home, although seen from the street, is experienced in these initial interactions with the building, and the integrated landscape. The home is envisioned as a place of respite, and the deliberate sense of non-structure and ease of familiarity is dotted throughout.

River Retreat embraces a sense of the uncomplicated, with a sheltering face of protection from its streetscape. Edwards White Architects has carved a formally interesting and equally bold departure from the traditional residential response, allowing for a true sense of refuge to ensue.