Arthur Erickson's Haiku House, a rare residential endeavor, is now up for sale
In the world of modernist architecture, the Hilborn House in Cambridge, Ontario, stands as a testament to the creative genius of renowned Canadian architect Arthur Erickson. Completed in 1974, this masterpiece is now up for sale, offering a rare opportunity for the next steward to embrace Erickson's design philosophy.
The Hilborn House, a modernist masterpiece and part of Erickson's Signature Collection, exemplifies his architectural ideals. Commissioned by Dick and Laurette Hilborn, the house was designed to be an extension of the land, sitting low on a quiet rise overlooking the Grand River and blending seamlessly into its 1.77-acre natural setting.
Erickson's design philosophy for the Hilborn House was one of creative spontaneity. The impromptu meeting between the architect and the Hilborns at Montreal's airport in 1970 marked the beginning of the design process. Sketching his vision on the spot, Erickson captured the essence of a home that would harmonise with its surroundings and celebrate the beauty of nature.
The Hilborn House spans over 6,800 square feet, featuring an intriguing multi-level spatial organization, including a spiral staircase. The primary suite boasts a six-piece ensuite, while the 'great room' features a skylight and floor-to-ceiling glass, dissolving the boundary between indoors and outdoors.
The home is composed of tactile natural materials such as warm mahogany, textured stone, brickwork, and a distinctive cedar deck roof. These materials create warmth and texture, while the expansive glass walls foster a strong connection to the outdoors. The house, in essence, transforms into a kind of temple that celebrates and integrates with the surrounding forest and water.
Erickson's mastery of natural light and spatial rhythm, coupled with his reverence for Japanese design principles, is evident throughout the Hilborn House. His design philosophy, which emphasises integration with the natural landscape, is a testament to his belief that architecture should move the spirit. As he once stated, great buildings are rare, unique, and poetic products of the heart.
The Hilborn House is listed for sale at approximately CAD $3,900,000 (around 3.9 million Canadian dollars) through Sotheby’s International Realty. The next steward of this architectural landmark will likely share Erickson's design philosophy, continuing to celebrate the beauty of modernist architecture and the integration of buildings with their natural environments.
The Hilborn House, a modernist masterpiece and part of Erickson's Signature Collection, seamlessly blends into its natural home-and-garden setting, reflecting the architect's creative intentions. Boasting tactile natural materials and expansive glass walls that dissolve indoor-outdoor boundaries, the house serves as a lifestyle statement, epitomizing Erickson's reverence for the harmony between buildings and the environment.
