Arthur Erickson’s lesser-known masterpieces, like the Perry Estate in Vancouver, resemble ancient sites in Iraq in their prevalence and integration into the environment, often leading to a lack of appreciation and a constant threat to their preservation. This residence represents the most recent ‘discovery’ of a ‘forgotten’ Erickson property, which, largely unshielded by heritage regulations, has come to light due to the ongoing challenges posed by real estate development to mid-century architecture in the area.
Walk through the endangered Perry Estate
The $2,850,000 Canadian listing is proudly represented by West Coast Modern Realty, which is dedicated to highlighting the architectural significance of Vancouver’s rich collection of mid-century homes and connecting them with ‘custodians’ committed to preservation rather than demolition. However, the Perry Estate, crafted by a young Erickson in 1963 on a nearly 18,000 square foot double lot, is particularly vulnerable, especially following recent historic zoning changes that permit increased density on the property. Nonetheless, this nearly untouched representation of Erickson’s early residential design merits preservation.
On the day Wallpaper* explored the mountainside location in North Vancouver, tracks of a cougar were evident in the snow near the entrance, which was bordered by cedar and fir trees, leading to the 2500 square foot residence and studio. This space, designed by Erickson for sculptor Frank Perry—who previously had a small home and studio on the property following his first marriage—served as a gathering place for artists, frequented by notable figures such as the legendary Bill Reid.
A tribute to Japanese minimalism set against the backdrop of the rugged Canadian forest, this residence embodies the principles of Wabi Sabi, harmonizing the raw with the polished. The walls, constructed from resawn fir strips, stand in striking contrast to the smooth teak elements, while the unglazed creamy ceramic floor tiles sourced from Japan shift between matte and glossy finishes, producing a shimmering, water-like appearance. This home is a testament to refined simplicity, seamlessly integrated with its surroundings, which previously featured a backyard pond.
Created to serve as both a living space and a showcase for Perry’s artwork, the house functions as a mechanism for regulating sunlight and moonlight. The sloped roof covering the northern section of the residence transitions to a flat design over the southern end, with numerous skylights incorporated throughout. This architectural feature aligns with the earth’s declination. On December 21st, the space is illuminated without any shadows.
The dining room, adorned with teak panels, features north-facing glass doors that seamlessly open to reveal a grove of fir trees. In the kitchen, bespoke cabinetry showcases innovative teak cupboards that lift open. A Shinto-inspired corridor leads southward, unveiling a stunning living room with high ceilings, creating a delicate interplay of space. An east-west layout includes a guest room and a master bedroom, which boasts a private sunken garden, echoing the design of Erickson’s 1966 Fuldauer house in nearby West Vancouver.
Created in the same year that Erickson and his partner Geoff Massey triumphed in the competition for Simon Fraser University, this remarkable residence stands as a flawlessly crafted haiku. Exploring the house offers a meditative journey through Erickson’s body of work, revealing architectural elements that hint at his later creations. However, the Perry house, featuring a south-facing garden that blends Japanese aesthetics with West Coast influences, closely resembles Erickson’s own residence, which was transformed from an old garage on a spacious lot that narrowly avoided demolition in 2013.
Thanks to translucent lights under soffits, it becomes a beacon at night – both to wandering cougars and ambitious developers – but hopefully also for architectural preservationists.
📅 Published on: 2025-02-26
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Note: This article was reviewed and edited by the ArchUp editorial team to ensure accuracy and quality.
