Project description provided by John Henshaw Architect Inc. Photos by Andrew Latreille.
Located in Vancouver Westside, this custom built, single family residence enjoys an airy contemporary design built to maximize views from the interior and the roof top deck. Built on a steep lot, the site itself presented as a challenge and resulted in a 4500-square-foot tiered design with a level entry from the garage. Features include hi-tech Trespa wall panels, triple glazed windows, and extra wall insulation.
It was important to the homeowners, currently in their 50s, to design a home that would allow them to age in place. Even though the house is situated on a very steep lot, there is level entry from the garage laneway with elevator access to the main house ground level.
Accompanied by the latest City of Vancouver Building Bylaws for accessibilities, floor plans were kept open and paired with wide hallways so the home would be easily future adaptable for universal access if required.
Well considered lighting includes all recessed/concealed lighting with integral LEDs with excellent colour renderings as not all LEDs are created equal. The same applies to the majority of the decorative lighting. All of the lighting is dimmable. The lighting control is layered with multiple scenes to create different functionality, taking into consideration that aging eyes would require an improved level of lighting in the future.
Most of the materials for this home are kept simple and bright and easy to maintain. The kitchen millwork is made of high-quality European wood grain melamine for its durability. The kitchen countertop is a composite of acrylic with natural minerals for its superior properties – hygienic and seamless, chemical, frost and fire-resistant, and easily repairable.
In the wok kitchen, a 16-gauge stainless steel countertop with welded sink and backsplash is utilized for ease of cleaning. Storage was carefully planned based on the owner’s request to have all the small appliances out of sight when not in use.
While large windows were designed to take in the stunning city views, the interior ceiling features complement the sophisticated interior design. Creating layers of visual interest, the architectural details are created by utilizing natural wood, handmade tiles, and uniquely designed pieces.
A natural wood ceiling feature houses the pendant light over the table and delineates the dining area in the open plan.
A glass elevator was installed to allow the couple to age in place in the future. A featured staircase wraps around the elevator shaft and is enclosed in glass.
A spacious rooftop deck centred around a fireplace focal point was included in the design to take in mountain and cityscape views unique to the home’s elevated site.
