Finding the right balance between tradition and modernity—between form and function—is no small feat. Perched along a riverbank in Calgary, the New House by Sturgess Architecture achieves this balance with clarity and refinement. The multi-level design blurs the line between inside and outside, responding thoughtfully to its quiet neighborhood of classic homes while introducing contemporary materials and spatial ideas.
From the street, the house announces itself with a carefully composed façade where warm wood panels sit alongside refined concrete block walls. Large expanses of glazing open the interior to the river setting and introduce generous daylight deep into the plan. The designers balanced materiality and massing to relate to neighboring homes while establishing a distinctly modern presence.
A standout feature is the two-storey courtyard that brings light, air and greenery into the heart of the home. This double-height outdoor space creates layered views between levels, encourages cross-ventilation and establishes a private, sheltered garden that feels connected to the river beyond. Folding and stackable glass doors further blur boundaries between indoor living areas and the deck or courtyard, allowing rooms to open fully during favorable weather.
Practical design decisions are integrated seamlessly into the aesthetic. The main living volume is raised approximately 1.5 meters above grade to protect against floodwater, allowing overflow from the river to pass beneath the house in high-water events. This modest elevation preserves views while adding a resilient measure appropriate to the riverside location.
Inside, the layout favors an open plan where kitchen, dining and living areas flow into one another. Generous windows and the central light-well bring natural daylight into every room, reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The staircase and vertical voids add visual interest and help distribute light between floors. Carefully chosen accents—colorful furnishings and select decorative elements—inject energy into an otherwise neutral palette, reinforcing a warm, livable atmosphere.
The kitchen combines warm wood tones with crisp white surfaces for a contemporary yet inviting feel. Sliding glass doors along the dining area extend the living space to the outdoors and frame views of the courtyard and river, reinforcing a strong connection with the landscape.
Privacy and openness have been carefully calibrated throughout the design. The home offers sheltered, private living spaces while still providing generous sightlines and river views where appropriate. The double-height courtyard and thoughtful placement of glazing ensure that rooms receive daylight and external views without sacrificing seclusion.
Architectural drawings and floor plans underline the careful spatial planning. The design plan articulates how multi-level interior volumes, circulation paths and outdoor spaces interconnect to support daily family life while responding to site constraints and opportunities. The floor plan shows how private and public zones are layered vertically and horizontally for efficient use of the site.
Overall, the New House is an exemplary riverside family home that blends resilient, site-responsive strategies with clear modern design principles. It balances privacy and openness, tradition and innovation, creating a warm, light-filled home well suited to its context and climate. Photography by Robert Lemermeyer captures the house’s material details, spatial sequence and relationship to the river setting.