Our hand crafted lighting finds a home in this modern island sanctuary
Forest House Design: Simon Montgomery Studio
Photography: Jonno Rodd
Location: Bowen Island, British Columbia, Canada
Lucy Glade-Wright, founder of the beloved Australian design blog Hunting for George, has published a new coffee table book called RETREAT. The book features 24 unique houses far from city limits, each with its own design style, motivations and challenges.
We were delighted to see our woven lighting so beautifully captured in her coverage of the Forest House on Bowen Island on Canada's West Coast. This stunning project was designed by our friend Simon Montgomery of SM Studio, and it perfectly embodies the principles we hold dear at Twenty One Tonnes: a deep appreciation for natural materials and handcrafted artistry. Simon and the homeowners have created a space that feels both grounded and inspiring.
Designed for a young family seeking a connection to the natural world, the home prioritizes minimal site impact, perching delicately upon a bedrock outcrop. This thoughtful approach, minimizing disruption to the delicate ecosystem, immediately resonated with us.
The use of locally sourced Douglas Fir plywood and Western Red Cedar further reinforces this connection to the surrounding landscape. These materials, imbued with the warmth and texture of the forest, create a sensory experience that grounds the inhabitants in their environment.
Homeowners Connor and Kristina embraced a minimal aesthetic for their interior design, allowing the natural materials and breathtaking views to take center stage. Large expanses of glazing frame the surrounding forest, blurring the lines between indoors and out. Skylights bathe the interior in a soft, ever-changing light, creating a dynamic and inviting atmosphere.
And at the heart of it all, in the central living area, hangs a pair of our woven bonnet lights. These handcrafted pieces echo the organic forms and textures found throughout the house and the surrounding forest. The natural fibers woven by skilled artisans add another layer of tactile richness to the space, creating a warm and inviting ambiance that perfectly complements the natural light streaming in from the windows.
The choice of our handcrafted pieces for this project speaks to a shared appreciation for natural materials, artisanal craft, and creating spaces that feel both authentic and inspiring. Just as the Forest House is carefully integrated into its natural surroundings, our lighting is designed to enhance and complement the spaces it inhabits.
We’re incredibly proud to be a part of this beautiful project and grateful to Glade-Wright for showcasing the harmonious blend of architecture, nature, and handcrafted design. The Forest House is a testament to the power of thoughtful design to create spaces that are both beautiful and deeply connected to the natural world. It’s a space where our woven lighting truly finds its home.
Explore our full collection of woven pendant lights here
