Wide exterior shot of the Belly of the Whale Residence by Acre Architects, showcasing the two distinct volumes against the forest edge and a rocky coastal wall.

Into the Deep: The Belly of the Whale Residence

There is a fine line between architecture that occupies a landscape and architecture that inhabits it. The Belly of the Whale Residence, perched along the rugged, windswept edges of the Bay of Fundy, firmly belongs to the latter. Designed by Acre Architects and led by Julian Parkinson, this home is a masterclass in “Storied Architecture”—a design philosophy that prioritises narrative to shape physical space.

For the South African eye, accustomed to the dramatic clash of ocean and rock along the Cape coast, this project offers a familiar visceral appeal. It navigates the tension between exposure and enclosure, creating a sanctuary that feels both ancient and distinctly modern.

Exterior view of the two-volume Belly of the Whale Residence featuring the stone chimney and rugged coastal foreground with buoys and wooden steps.

Detail of the entryway or "streamlet" connecting the two volumes of the Belly of the Whale Residence, showing contemporary lighting and the contrast of timber and stone.

Aerial view of the Belly of the Whale Residence nestled between the dense forest and the Bay of Fundy beach at sunrise.

Expansive twilight view of the Belly of the Whale Residence on the headland of the Bay of Fundy, framed by blue water and dense forest.

The private volume of the Belly of the Whale Residence featuring dark turquoise siding, viewed from the rugged coastal edge and set against pine trees.

Close-up of the tall, dramatic stone chimney and outdoor seating area of the Belly of the Whale Residence, designed for viewing the Bay of Fundy.

Dusk view of the Belly of the Whale Residence showing the stone chimney and the light timber siding of the communal volume, integrated with the forest.

A Narrative in Timber and Light

The project takes its cues from the biblical and poetic motif of the “belly of the whale.” Rather than a literal interpretation, the architects have used this concept to drive the home’s emotional rhythm. The result is a structure that balances the primal need for shelter with the desire for dramatic, expansive views.

The residence is composed of two distinct volumes, separated by a conceptual “streamlet”—a transitional zone that creates a physical and psychological break between the public and private realms. This separation allows the home to settle gently into the topography, reducing its visual mass against the horizon.

The Ribcage: An Architectural Centrepiece

The communal volume is the project’s dramatic heart. Here, the “whale” metaphor comes alive through a soaring timber ceiling that mimics the curvature of a ribcage. This design choice is not merely aesthetic; it creates a sense of compression and release, guiding the eye outward toward the ocean.

Despite the grandeur of the ceiling, the space remains warm and light-filled. It acts as a lookout—a place to watch the infamous tides of the Bay of Fundy roll in—while simultaneously functioning as a protective refuge against the harsh coastal elements.

Open-plan kitchen and dining area in the Belly of the Whale Residence, featuring light timber cabinetry, a kitchen island, and leather seating under the exposed timber structure.

Dining table setting in the Belly of the Whale Residence, perfectly aligned with the wide window to frame the panoramic ocean view and coastal trees.

Interior shot of the communal volume of the Belly of the Whale Residence, showcasing the dramatic exposed timber roof trusses, or whale ribcage ceiling, and full-height sliding doors with ocean views.

View of the modern timber kitchen island and living space in the Belly of the Whale Residence, showcasing the whale ribcage ceiling and the seamless connection to the ocean and forest views.

Timber-lined dining area of the Belly of the Whale Residence with modern pendant lights, maximising the view of the surrounding trees and the Bay of Fundy.

Detail of the built-in dining bench and cabinetry in the Belly of the Whale Residence, demonstrating thoughtful Storied Architecture and a view of the forest.

Open sliding glass doors in the Belly of the Whale Residence living area leading to an outdoor deck and barbecue, connecting the interior timber space to the surrounding forest and coast.

Panoramic view of the communal area of the Belly of the Whale Residence, showing the open-plan kitchen and living space beneath the whale ribcage ceiling structure.

Retreating into the Forest

In contrast to the ocean-facing drama of the living areas, the private volume recedes into the surrounding forest. This strategic placement softens the home’s silhouette, allowing the natural landscape to remain the dominant visual force.

By burying the private quarters in the tree line, Acre Architects have ensured that the residents experience the duality of the site: the roar of the ocean in the communal spaces and the quiet whisper of the forest in the bedroom wing. It is a home that does not try to conquer its environment but rather engages in a quiet conversation with it.

The Verdict

The Belly of the Whale Residence is a reminder that luxury is not always about square metreage or opulence. True luxury lies in the specificity of the experience. By allowing the narrative to dictate the form, Acre Architects have created a home that is as sculptural as it is functional—a true sanctuary for the modern coastal dweller.