Cube House

Presenting Cube House, a marvel of Vancouver modernism nestled in the prestigious Southlands neighbourhood.

Designed by architect Fred Dalla-Lana, a protégé of Arthur Erickson, the home embodies a pivotal transition in the region’s modern architectural trajectory. Its simple rectilinear forms and spacious internal volumes reflect Erickson’s profound influence on a new generation of modernists. Stepping flat roofs and extensive panoramic glazing bathe its rooms in natural light, cultivating spaces of serenity and delight. Enclosed by a Japanese-inspired garden, the property offers a tranquil retreat, ideal for deep reflection amidst lush outdoor surroundings.

Seamlessly bridging modern architectural tradition and natural connection, Cube House awaits to inspire its next custodian.

3651 W 48th Ave
Vancouver, BC

Neighbourhood
Southlands

Designer
Dalla-Lana/Griffin Architects

Designed and Built
1988

Price
$3,800,000

Specification
Contemporary

Program
West Coast Modern

Floors
2 levels

Rooms
4 Bed 2.5 Bath

Building
2,461 sqft
Lot
6,000 sqft

Monograph Brochure

Floor Plan

Introducing Cube House, the personal residence of Fred Dalla-Lana of Dalla-Lana/Griffin Architects.

Fred Dalla-Lana, along with Ray Griffin, is touted as a “key transitional figure between the first and second generation of Modernist architects in Vancouver,”* having worked alongside Arthur Erickson and Barry Downs.

Dalla-Lana’s house designs exhibit strong Ericksonian characteristics, featuring prominent posts and beams, as well as spaces arranged on axes.

Situated in a park-side setting in the prestigious Southlands neighbourhood, Cube House embodies a pivotal transition in the region’s modern architectural history.

*Heritage Vancouver, Vol. 11 No. 8, October 2002

Cube House original architectural drawings:

Cubist pavilion-like in its simplification of form, Cube House is reminiscent of the acclaimed Oberlander House II, designed by Barry Downs with Dalla-Lana on the design team:

Drawings by Barry Downs; photography by Selwyn Pullan; courtesy of West Vancouver Art Museum

“Arthur and Barry would refer clients to us for houses, and that’s how we got started.”*
– Ray Griffin, of Dalla-Lana/Griffin Architects

*Heritage Vancouver, Vol. 11 No. 8, October 2002

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Fred Dalla-Lana of
Dalla-Lana/Griffin Architects

Key transitional figures between the first and second generations of Modernist architects in Vancouver, Fred Dalla-Lana and Ray Griffin formed Dalla-Lana/Griffin Architects in 1972. Both graduated from UBC’s School of Architecture in 1961; Dalla-Lana worked with Arthur Erickson and Barry Downs, and Griffin worked with Louis Kahn in Philadelphia before returning to Vancouver to join McCarter, Nairne & Partners.

Through the 1980s and 1990s Dalla-Lana and Griffin continued designing houses as well as medical-dental complexes, schools, churches, and other commercial and institutional buildings. Fred Dalla-Lana died in 2001, but the firm he co-founded still carries on today.

(Excerpt from Heritage Vancouver, Vol. 11 No. 8, October 2002)