Capilano Custom

What was the challenge?

The clients were looking to build a home that reflects the family’s love for the outdoors. They wanted to bring the outside in while utilizing a complementary neutral palette. The moderately sloping site, wedge-shaped lot, and top-of-slope setback were the primary design challenges. The clients wanted to access the backyard from the main level which meant that the main level had to very closely follow the natural slope of the site, both to allow for the indoor-outdoor connection and to comply with the restrictive building height limit. Naturally, this creates an engaging dynamic experience with a series of expanding spaces as you approach and move through the home.

What was delivered?

Nestled in the woods, this private oasis is the perfect family home. The clients wanted plenty of space for family activities and a big open floor plan on the main floor to entertain their guests. All of the main spaces have triple-glazed corner windows that open towards the south-west facing backyard, for natural lighting, ventilation, and views.

A combination of black stained vertical cedar and a black brick chimney create bookends to the building, while horizontal shiplap cedar wraps up onto the soffit. A side-entry detached garage is the dominant element in the front yard and adds to the strong curb appeal of the house. It is clad in clear cedar and disappears completely when closed. The simple colour palette and natural materials feel harmonious with the natural setting; subtle, yet bold. The simple aesthetics, value, and quality of the home perfectly reflect the homeowners’ personalities and taste. The clients were closely involved in the design process, and the team was able to balance the design, cost, and constructability with great efficiency.