China’s Suzhou Courtyard Garden Inspired Private Residence

Inspired by the Suzhou courtyard gardens of China, the design of the garden preceded the design of the house. The design philosophy was for the building to relate to the landscape. Located in the middle of a residential block, the building and landscape integrate to create a serene, intimate world within a dense community context. Following the tradition of Chinese architecture, the exterior space was the primary conceptual element from which the... 

Acadia Residence in Vancouver, BC

Set out to create a “modest” house in an area where most take an exuberant design approach to private residences, Bing Thom applied his design philosophy to ensure the building relates to and is harmonious with its landscape. Like with most BTA house commissions, the design of the garden took place first, and for this particular house, a Suzhou inspired garden manifested. Consistent with Suzhou gardens, water was brought into the long...