The Binning House is a one-storey house located on a quiet residential street in West Vancouver. Designed in 1939 by Bertram Charles (B.C.) Binning, the house is a very early example of the Modern architectural movement in Canada. Built into a sloping site overlooking Burrard Inlet and Vancouver, the design of the house has geometric forms with open-plan layouts, trapezoidal shapes in both glass and tile, angled furniture and walls, and murals. The residence is an impressive mix of both art and architecture.
Since its completion in 1941, many artists and architects made the pilgrimage to see and experience the house and visit with Bert and his wife Jessie. Despite the fact that now modernist technologies are entrenched in practically every aspect of day-to-day life, it is difficult to comprehend how revolutionary the Binning Residence would have been at the time of its creation. The house and its designer strongly influenced other (now) famous Canadian architects, like Arthur Erickson and Ron Thom. Bertram Binning passed away in 1976 and his widow Jessie continued to live in the house until 2007 at the age of 101.
Though a National Historic Site and Municipal Heritage Site, concerns about the long-term conservation of the house arose in 2007 when Jessie Binning passed away with no direct heirs. Her Will, however, outlined her desire for the house and furnishings to be preserved for historical purposes through a foundation. As a result of TLC’s experience in protecting heritage properties, TLC was approached to help.
As of March 2012, TLC is pleased to announce the completion of a detailed Heritage Conservation Plan for the site. The Plan was done by Don Luxton and Associates, and funded through generous grants from the West Vancouver Community Foundation and Parks Canada’s Historic Places Cost Sharing Program. Copies are available upon request. The completed Plan is an extensive document that provides a detailed summary of the historical significance of the house and its previous owners, through text and photos. The document clarifies the vision for the conservation and interpretation of the property, and includes some potential management models. A detailed condition review was completed, and provided the background information for the creation of a prioritized list of proposed conservation work, including maintenance.
Your support is needed to help TLC continue to maintain the site and to assist with public events. Please join TLC along with the friends, students, and admirers of B.C. Binning’s contribution to our rich architectural and artistic legacy by donating to this West Coast landmark.
Thank you to the following supporters:
Parks Canada
West Vancouver Community Foundation
To find out more please view our Biography of B.C. Binning and B.C. Binning as an Artist webpages.
Listen to CBC’s interview regarding Binning House on the program On The Coast.
