The site of the modern glass Smith Residence from Arthur Erickson was a slight declivity between two rock outcroppings that are on a prominence that slopes directly down to the sea. The glass house was conceived as a square spiral, built up by the lapping of the major beams around a courtyard. The appearance of the wood of the house is the result of considerable effort to find a finish that would not detract from the beauty of the grain and the natural lustre of the wood. The landscape, other than exposing the bare rock, is confined to paving blocks of the same material as the columns and beams. By reducing not only the number of materials drastically, but also the number of elements in the house design, a certain strength and simplicity is achieved.

Modern Glass Smith House natural lustre of the wood

Modern Glass Smith House certain strength and simplicity is achieved

Modern Glass Smith House burlap covering the walls

Modern Glass Smith House continue in a clockwise direction room

The same finish was used throughout the house on the siding, the ceiling, on the oak floors, on the cabinet work, and on the burlap covering the walls, so that basically only one finish other than glass and concrete is present in the house. Plant material, other than the materials of the forest itself, is confined almost entirely to mosses.