On the Rocks

What was the challenge?

The homeowners of this 1970s-built, four-level residence in West Vancouver loved their property’s stunning, unobstructed oceanside views but faced major issues with the home itself. Years of exposure to harsh coastal elements—relentless sun, rain, and powerful ocean winds—had taken a toll on the structure. The original design, while unique, included poor-quality materials, outdated features like cedar siding and round turrets, no overhangs, and drafty single-glazed windows. These shortcomings not only made the home inefficient and uncomfortable but also undermined its ability to withstand the coastal climate, creating the need for a complete renovation.

What was delivered?

The project transformed the aging property into a modern, energy-efficient home while honoring its distinctive character. A clean, contemporary exterior façade was achieved with new triple-glazed, Passive-certified windows, larger openings with minimal frames to maximize natural light, and durable metal frames designed to withstand the elements. The renovation replaced the envelope with an “Outsulation” system, added rain-screening, Hardie 2.0 and longboard metal siding, and topped the home with a fully updated roof. Three rounded box-outs were reimagined with squared, torch-on designs, complemented by natural finishes including near-white tones, wood, stacked stone, and glass railings. Black Cambrian Ledgestone details and a new front door added striking contrast. Despite the steep, challenging site and the homeowners remaining in place during construction, full scaffolding and protective shrouds ensured both safety and quality workmanship. The results not only modernized the home’s look but also significantly improved energy performance—reducing consumption from 207 to 76 GJ/year—while creating a resilient, beautiful coastal retreat.