Ravine Guest House - Brigitte Shim and A. Howard Sutcliffe

Ravine Guest House is a fitting choice of words to describe a building that invites even the senses of the natural world to linger between its creases.

In the early 1990s, a quiet inauguration was held between an audience of two - to bind spirituality with architecture. Shortly after, the architectural practice Shim-Sutcliffe emerged with its purpose. To design homes which incorporate landscape with design, with exterior and interior. To fasten spirit of the natural world in its place, willingly. Since then, spanning three decades, both Brigitte and Howard have orchestrated a portfolio of residences that achieve exactly that. 15 Governor General's Medals, Canada's RIBA equivalent, RAIC Gold Medal and an Order of Canada award for their contribution to Canadian architecture. The most decorated and, perhaps, most celebrated active practice in the country.

Coupe de foudre - a word of French origin, meaning love at first sight. Three words which carry restraint linguistically while softly commanding deeper thought. Just as they should when used in companionship with the Guest House. Most who write about a Pavilion set on a verdant sheet which chooses to open its timber gates to Canadian density opt to speak of its formation. And they would be right to do so.

Shim-Sutcliffe's orientation of Profilit clerestory glass; linear singular sheets suspended by stainless steel rods at its precipice, COR-TEN steel plinths writhe their way down to the Pavilion below rubbing alongside Ipé timber frames. A trio of concrete walls part steel and timber density at its centre, outdoor decking continues indoors without disruption.

The creator, in many ways principal engineer of post war Britain, Ove Arup, shaped concrete into a cantilevered fireplace for Spence House. Equally practical and sculptural. Dominant even. Between the outdoors and Pavilion interior, between steel and timber, Brigitte and Howard convince concrete to do the same. Both beckon the same conviction.

Facing sombre pools of water, water lilies atop the surface, bi-fold glass doors move aside for wind, rain and the speech of nature inward. An aged community of forestry are ancient instigators for those to amble in the realm of the crepuscular; their influence is no different toward the Pavilion. In fact, each coax the same from their occupants. Pavilion of its waking inhabitant. Woodland of its newest mythical being.

Terms are often imposed upon those when receiving a home.

There are no terms in the attitude of the conventional here.

The forest does not agree to terms other than to exist.

For the Guest House to become resident of its timber commune it must do the same.

To breathe the damp earthly aroma, to smell thickened lichen among wooden wrinkles, to listen to their timber knuckles crack.

Then, as wealthy guests of both woodland and Ravine Guest House, they must do the same.

Exist.

Photography - Raimund Koch