Set into the forested hills of Whistler, Canada, this small home by Bricault Design transforms a compact 1,268-square-foot footprint into a richly layered home filled with craftsmanship, texture, and mountain views. Mossy green roofs cascade over the structure as though the home has emerged directly from the rocky landscape, while towering conifers surround the property on all sides.
Led by principal Marc Bricault, the project combines contemporary fabrication with traditional woodworking techniques. Local artisans and fabricators played a major role throughout the home, resulting in interiors filled with custom furniture, etched copper accents, sculptural wood detailing, and warm natural finishes that mirror the forests of British Columbia.
Copper Details and Cascading Green Roofs Shape the Exterior
The exterior of the home follows the contours of the mountainside, with layered green roofs flowing down the rocky escarpment and blending into the surrounding landscape. These planted roofs shelter the carport and pathways while helping protect the home from Whistler’s snowy winters and warmer summer months.
Copper appears throughout the exterior, most notably surrounding the cantilevered living room window. That same material continues inside the home, creating continuity between the architecture and interiors. Alongside the copper, natural wood and stone finishes give the compact structure a timeless mountain character without feeling overly rustic.
Walkways That Wind Between Rock, Forest, and Mountain Views
The approach to the home feels almost cinematic. Covered pathways lined with green roofs guide visitors along the rockface, with one path leading toward the main entrance and another opening onto a deck overlooking the mountains.
As the pathways intersect, the architecture creates moments of shelter and openness at the same time. The experience shifts constantly between framed forest views, exposed rock, and glimpses of the home emerging through the trees, making the arrival sequence feel immersive long before stepping indoors.
A Warm Douglas Fir Entry
Large windows frame the surrounding rock face and moss garden, turning the changing landscape into part of the interior design. Even in this functional entry zone, the connection to the outdoors remains front and center, with native greenery visible from nearly every angle.
Edge grain Douglas fir flows from the exterior soffits through the mudroom and kitchen, cladding the ceiling and integrated millwork in a warm material.
Green Tile and Sculptural Wood Details in the Powder Room
The powder room may be compact, but it carries the same level of craftsmanship found throughout the house. Green tiles echo the surrounding forest palette, while a window behind the vanity frames views of the rock outside.
One standout feature is the form-bent Douglas fir mirror frame, handcrafted with sculptural curves that soften the room’s clean lines. The combination of wood, tile, and natural light gives the small space a quiet richness without overwhelming it.
Hidden Storage and Custom Craftsmanship Define the Kitchen
The dining area and kitchen revolve around extensive built-in millwork that keeps the compact layout efficient while still feeling spacious. Hidden doors disappear into the Douglas fir walls, concealing the pantry, powder room, and mechanical room behind flush surfaces.
At the center sits a custom dining table crafted with fluted and turned wood legs, created in collaboration with artisan Ted Belch. Even practical elements were designed as features, including a custom wood HVAC grille that blends seamlessly into the cabinetry and walls.
A Cantilevered Reading Nook Framed by Forest and Mountains
One of the home’s most eye-catching spaces is the deep cantilevered window seat in the living room. Lined in Douglas fir, the oversized nook projects outward to frame uninterrupted views of the surrounding trees and distant mountains.
Floating Stairs and an Integrated Rail System
The living room centers around a glazed ceramic tile fireplace that doubles as a secondary heat source during colder months. Above it, floating Pacific madrone stairs rise toward the upper level, suspended from a custom rail system that also supports shelving running along the wall.
The integrated rail structure becomes one of the home’s most inventive design features. Instead of treating shelves, stairs, and furniture separately, the system ties multiple elements together into one sculptural framework that continues upstairs into the bedroom.
A Treehouse-Like Bedroom Elevated Into the Forest Canopy
The entire upper floor is dedicated to the primary suite, positioned high within the tree canopy to maximize views in every direction. The bedroom feels almost suspended among the conifers, giving the compact home an unexpectedly expansive atmosphere.
Copper screens flanking the headboard feature Japanese floral patterns etched by Vancouver printmaker Peter Braune. The same custom rail system used downstairs extends into the bedroom, supporting bedside tables while maintaining continuity throughout the house.
Wood Vanities and Slatted Screens Add Texture to the Ensuite
The bathroom continues the home’s emphasis on handcrafted detailing. Slatted wood screens partially separate the bath and shower area, adding texture and privacy while still keeping the room visually open.
The custom vanity takes inspiration from freestanding furniture, complete with fluted leg detailing that echoes the dining table downstairs. Held slightly away from the surrounding millwork and aligned flush with the countertop, the vanity highlights the precision of the home’s joinery and fabrication.
A Compact Layout Designed to Feel Surprisingly Spacious
Although Whistler Hideaway measures only 1,268 square feet, the layout makes the home feel far larger. Integrated storage, hidden doors, built-in furniture, and multi-functional elements help maximize every inch without creating visual clutter.
The home includes one bedroom and one-and-a-half bathrooms across two levels, with shared living spaces below and the private primary suite above. Large windows throughout the house keep the surrounding forest constantly visible, helping the interiors feel open and expansive despite the compact footprint.
From the green roofs and copper accents outside to the floating stairs and handcrafted furniture within, every space of this home reflects an impressive level of artistry and collaboration.