A Harmonious Blend of Nature and Contemporary Design
Perched with a commanding view of the ocean and the distant Gulf Islands, this West Vancouver home, designed in collaboration with the client, is a testament to harmonious living with nature. The house, a result of thoughtful design, stands as a contemporary, minimalistic structure bathed in natural light, exuding warmth through its use of textures and wooden materials.
The facade, a mix of concrete horizontal planes and wooden louvers, both conceals and hints at the wonders within. It offers glimpses of the Pacific Ocean through its transparent architectural elements, balancing privacy with openness.
As you step into the five-bedroom residence, you’re greeted by floor-to-ceiling glass that blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors. This transparency defines private yet open interiors, taking full advantage of the sloping site. The main floor, enriched with textured wooden soffits, opens up to a breathtaking 240-degree West Coast panorama. It seamlessly extends into an outdoor plaza and infinity pool, further enhancing the connection with nature.
The home’s study is uniquely positioned, accessible via a floating bridge over a stream. This transparent bridge not only reflects the gardens but frames ocean vistas, enriching the experience.
A key architectural feature is the cantilevered bedroom level, creating an illusion of floating above the structure. Clad in vertical cedar louvers, it contrasts sharply with the transparent spaces below, offering privacy and a dynamic interplay of light and views.
Descending to the master bedroom, you find a space that, despite being on a lower level, integrates with the topography to form a secondary ground level. Surrounded by natural light, trees, a water feature, and the soothing sound of a stream, this sanctuary deepens the home’s connection with its natural setting.
Photography: Ema Peter | Ema Peter Photography
Project Details:
- Size: 700 m²
- Completion: 2022
- Levels: 3
Project Team:
- Architecture and Interiors: Openspace Architecture
- Construction: Hart Tipton Construction
- Landscape Architecture: Botanica Design
- Structural Engineering: Aspect Structural Engineers
- Geotechnical Engineering: EXP Inc.
- Envelope Consulting: Busque Engineering
- Surveying: Hobbs, Winter & McDonald