Semà:th Farmhouse
Abbotsford, BC
Construction complete 2021
The site for this farmhouse is being returned to the Agricultural Land Reserve from former industrial uses, a rare occurrence in today's development driven market. This rural area has an interesting and complicated agricultural history - the result of draining the shallow Semà:th lake that used to occupy most of the valley until the 1920s. This was part of traditional fishing grounds for the Semà:th First Nation.
In designing the farmhouse to address the flood plain requirements for the site, MOTIV took cues from history - hearkening back to the piers and canneries that were abandoned miles from the water when the lake was dredged. Straightforward forms and materials speak of a simpler agrarian lifestyle to which this growing family wants to get back to.
Clad in simple cedar shingles, the living and dining areas are elevated above the flood plain on a concrete shop and garage, with a patio opening onto the upper slope of the yard to the south. These family-oriented spaces on the upper floors are elevated to capture the view of distant Sumas Mountain across the beautiful fields below.