'jib house' by omar gandhi architects overlooks the islands and sailboats of nova scotia

the jib house: celebrating the nautical heritage of the site

Omar Gandhi Architects completes its Jib House in Chester, Nova Scotia — an historic village on the south shore of the Canadian province. The property covers a triangular coastal lot which captures south-facing views of the Chester basin. The broadly outward-facing dwelling opens out toward views of clustered islands and sailboats. With its design, Omar Gandhi Architects celebrates the nautical history of the area, which every year, sees the celebration of Chester Race Week, a sailing regatta dating back over one hundred and fifty years.  

images © Adrian Ozimek | @ozimekphotography
header video © ThreeSixFive Media | @threesixfive.media

omar gandhi architects links the architecture with the sea

The design team at Omar Gandhi Architects notes the multi-faceted design challenge of its Jib House. The dwelling ties into the building heritage of the village — utilizing common roof forms and natural materials. Meanwhile, the shape of the property and the 270 degrees of sweeping views called for the interiors to capture the essence of more than one orientation. The project harmonizes between the architecture and the dramatic, sloping landscape, creating a visual connection with the sea.

taking advantage of the dramatic slope

For Omar Gandhi Architects, a major design opportunity arose from the steep slope on which the Jib House is sited. A series of board form walls create a terraced series of pathways that lead down to a pool, built-in hot tub, and accompanying pool house. The pool house includes a sauna and wood-burning fireplace, offering unique opportunities for play in any season. An expansive wall of windows slides open, further connecting viewers to the ocean scenery.

Passing along the lower terrace, the water can be accessed by way of an existing boathouse and dock. Days are spent here experiencing the sea, recreational spaces, and the natural environment.  The upper terrace connects to the main living quarters and is designed for relaxing and entertaining in the evenings. The dining and lounging section includes a barbecue and cozy fireplace sheltered by one of several cantilevered structures. 

The scale of the Jib House responds to that of the street, tucked away along the entry side. Thus, Omar Gandhi Architects organizes the dwelling with a modest entrance which opens dramatically outward toward the sea with an expanse of glass. A spiral staircase creates a focal point for the interior space, connecting the entry to the living area and beyond. This staircase is composed entirely of solid wood and was manufactured using five-axis machining techniques.

The house built atop a limestone base and finished with both eastern white and western red cedar cladding along the walls and roof. A muted palette of limestone and white oak line the interior of the home, supplying a serene backdrop to the spectacular ocean scenery outside and curated art collection within.  

integrated seating and landscaping extends the living space outside

the house opens widely outward to the sea

the house is built atop a limestone base and is finished with cedar cladding along the walls and roof

1/8

 

 

 

 

 

 

first level floor plan

second level floor plan

project info:

project title: Jib House

architecture: Omar Gandhi Architects | @og_architect

location: Chester, Nova Scotia, Canada 
project architect: Jeff Shaw
design team: Eric Stotts, Chad Jamieson, Kelly Cameron, Lauren McCrimmon
general contractor: (MRB Contracting) Mike Burns, Alex MacDormand
structure: Campbell Comeau Engineering
photography: © Adrian Ozimek | @ozimekphotography
videography: © ThreeSixFive Media | @threesixfive.media