The Sound House: This Canadian home was designed to be pitch-perfect

Most house hunters are focused on the usual suspects—location, space, design, and perhaps some outdoor space for pets or kids. But for audiophiles, there’s a less obvious factor: sound – not just the acoustics of a room but how every surface and angle reverberates in harmony.

For those who demand more than just four walls, Sound House in Vancouver’s prestigious west side offers something quite exceptional: a home designed as a living, breathing instrument.

Designed by Arthur Erickson, one of Canada’s most influential architects, Sound House isn’t just a residence; it’s a work of art. The home was built in 1965, designed by Erickson following a trip to Japan. The result combines the clean simplicity of Japanese-inspired design with the rugged beauty of British Columbia.

In 1985, Erickson’s protege Nick Milkovich expanded the home to better suit modern family living while preserving its original artistry and innovation. It has recently been listed for sale with West Coast Modern.

“Sound House is a delicate interplay of three core materials: glass, cedar, and rough aggregate concrete,” says West Coast Modern co-founder Trent Rodney.

“Together, they form a sculptural balance of lightness and solidity. The slanted, pitched roofline and strong horizontal lines extend outward, framing the city skyline.

“Erickson’s signature ‘flying beams’ add a striking architectural language, connecting the house to its surroundings and giving it the appearance of floating above the landscape.”

The home’s flowing floor plan offers ample space. A main bedroom, complete with an en suite, is privately tucked at the front, while three other bedrooms are at the back. A fourth bedroom also enjoys an en suite plus an adjoining living space and sits privately on its own upper level.

At the centre of the home, the kitchen is flanked by both informal and formal dining spaces, with the latter sitting as a loft above the main living room.

While not far from the city centre, the home sits firmly nestled within nature, with sweeping views of the city and the North Shore Mountains. Large windows frame the stunning city skyline, including several towers Erickson later designed.

“Vancouver’s west side is one of the most coveted neighbourhoods in the city, known for its peaceful, high-end homes perched above the urban sprawl,” says Rodney.

“Living in Sound House means enjoying the perfect balance of urban convenience and natural serenity. You’re minutes away from world-class shopping, dining, and some of the best schools in the country, yet surrounded by nature.”

And it’s a home that celebrates its surroundings, offering a seamless connection between indoors and outdoors.

“One of the home’s standout features is the central courtyard, anchored by a mature cedar tree. This emphasises its Japanese architectural inspiration and strong connection to nature, both key influences on Erickson’s work. The courtyard evokes traditional Japanese house design, seamlessly blending the home with its natural surroundings to create a sense of serenity and balance,” says Rodney.

“The bedroom embraces indoor-outdoor living, with a slanted exterior wall forming a sculptural angle around a custom narrow window that frames stunning views of the mountains and distant city skyline, integrating architecture with nature.”

And Sound House wasn’t just conceived for living; it was built for listening. Originally commissioned by a musician and audiophile, the home was engineered to optimise acoustics. That main living room, which doubles as a listening room, features double-height ceilings and careful sound engineering. To achieve it, Erickson collaborated with a Los Angeles-based sound engineer to create the owners’ dream of having their own personal concert hall. Even today, high-fidelity sound systems and live instruments come to life in ways that ordinary homes just cannot deliver.

It’s a design that was ahead of its time back in the 1960s, and Rodney says it continues to inspire creativity.

“The current owners’ children, now architects and musicians, are a testament to how the space nurtures a creative mindset. Ready to inspire the next generation of visionaries, the home seamlessly integrates nature and design, offering an environment that fosters innovation and artistry,” he says.

“This home is both a livable space and a habitable work of art. Its next custodian will be someone who understands how design can elevate everyday life and appreciates the historical significance of residing in an iconic residence.

“With its deep connection to music, it would be fitting for another musician to take ownership, but ultimately, it’s perfect for anyone who values creativity, craftsmanship, and architectural legacy.”