The project brief was to add a new floor to an existing 1950’s split level home, which was originally designed by an architect.  However, due to some unforeseen conditions, the existing house had to be removed.  So the construction is all new, and the design retains hints of the old. 

The existing house was too small for the family, so a new floor was added containing a master bedroom, ensuite, office and deck.  The new upper floor cantilevers in two directions, and compliments the lower cantilevered portion of the house.  

To soften the strong geometry of the house, clear stained cedar siding was used on all surfaces to give the composition scale and warmth.  The inner face of each cube is lined with bluestone to provide contrast. 

Completed 2011.  

All photography by Roger Brooks

The project brief was to add a new floor to an existing 1954 bungalow, which is situated in New Westminster, BC.  

The neighbourhood sits at the prow of a hill, and is rich in modernist architecture from the fifties and sixties.  The existing house was L shaped, and was too small for my clients.  The new floor would be the domain of the parents, and contain a studio for one of the owners, who is an artist.

The addition would be composed of a studio, a master suite and a deck to take advantage of the views.  Architecturally the goal was to knit together old and new with simple gestures and materials that would be sympathetic to their context, yet fresh.

Completed 2009

All photographs by Roger Brooks

This house is in design development and is located on the Universtiy of British Columbia endowment lands.  It has beautiful views of the city and north shore mountains.  

Stay tuned for updates.

Construction begins 2013.

The house was designed around the idea of a courtyard, and a northern view up a cherry tree lined street.  

Because of the courtyard, the house’s walls were pushed to the outer limits of the site (which is pie shaped and curved).  The resulting geometry has allowed for interesting pockets of space, which all revolve around the courtyard.

The flat roof is stepped down at the garage, and gently curves to the entrance where the visitor is greeted by the first of the nine round skylights.  

From the street, the triple duty “light cannons” are also visible.  They provide ventilation, a surface for the solar panels, and allow northern light into the corridor connecting the private and public sections of the house.  

Completion summer of 2012.

All photographs by Ema Peter.

We will be starting this project in the next few weeks, and we're quite excited.  The house was designed by Arthur Erickson and Geoffrey Massey in 1962, and we'll be upgrading all its systems, and re-freshing the interior.  

During its 51 years there have been several renovations, some will be kept and some will be removed.  For the most part, the house is in good condition and our work will bring it into this century, respectfully, with the hopes of giving it another 50 years of life.

We will update through Design Development.

Construction starts 2014.

A new house for a family of five in the British Properties, West Vancouver.  The house is situated on a flat lot, of generous proportions.  

The house has been designed around two courtyards, one north facing and one south facing.  The resulting H-shape creates a great variety of exterior spaces (moss garden to the north, and paved surfaces and reflecting pool to the south).  The upper floor aligns with the center of the H, and cantilevers at both ends where it merges with the main floor creating long low porches. 

The exterior materials are a cement panel with exposed fasteners (where there is no overhang), and stained cedar siding (where there is an overhang).

Completion 2013

An off grid house / retreat in the Gulf Islands Island for a family of five.  The materials are essentially the same as the boat dock - concrete and aluminum.  The owner will construct the house over the course of a few summers with his children.  

The materials were selected with durability and portability in mind.  A temporary concrete plant / silo will be constructed on site, so only the aggregates have to be imported.

Construction begins in 2013.

This project, like York Street, is a good example of what can be done by renovating old houses.  This renovation will give the existing structure at least another 50 years of life.  

The program was to add a floor and maximize the allowable floor space, while capturing nice mountain views to the south.  There was also the desire to transform the house into something new.    Due to the zoning restrictions, the only way to achieve the second storey was to create wedge shaped roof - which defines the character of the new design.

On Hold.

This project is in East Vancouver, and will have a Lane Way House.  The project is on a corner lot and is essentially square.  The zoning restrictions are extreme, so the square / cube is carved in select areas to create visual relief and articulation.  

Shingles will be used throughout, paired with white painted exposed rafters which add an effective layer of detail and scale.  

Construction begins in 2013.  Laneway House images to follow.

We're just beginning this project, which is located on the University of British Columbia Endowment Lands.  

More updates to follow.