Backing onto a Garry Oak meadow and surrounded by trees, being in this home feels like living in a luxurious treehouse. The extensive millwork and cohesive use of wood and stone further anchors the home within its natural surroundings.
“During the build, we visited the site often and were always impressed by what we saw. Project management by Dave Fallows was outstanding, with materials and contractors arriving in a timely way. The onsite Horizon team was always busy, with the onsite lead, Mike Miskulin, on top of every detail and also liaising with neighbours as necessary – he was a great ambassador on our behalf.”
Coming from a 1930’s style house, these homeowners wanted their new home to be something distinctly different. They were looking for a custom-built, modern home that would also complement the natural surroundings. They focused on livability and enjoyment, building a place where they could enjoy day-to-day living as well as hosting dinner parties and visiting family.
Once the original house was removed, blasting was required to remove some of the rocky outcropping and prepare a proper foundation. The exposed rock forms part of the aesthetic and is carried through the exterior and interior design. The home’s siding is a balanced mix of stone, hemlock and Shou Sugi Ban.
The large windows offer unimpeded sightlines from every room. The home was positioned to take in the expansive views of the surrounding neighbourhoods, extending all the way to the ocean. The exposed glue lam beams are a prominent structural feature and are cantilevered to provide large overhangs around the house to provide shade in summer without impeding sunlight in winter.
The large deck, offering views of the sunrise, is adjacent to the upstairs coffee nook. Positioned outside the master bedroom it saves the step of going downstairs to the kitchen first thing in the morning. To extend deck season, heaters have been subtly built into the outdoor area to warm up cool evenings.
Detailed, precision millwork carries warm tones throughout the home with lots of storage to tuck clutter neatly away. The kitchen has a built-in appliance garage to keep countertops clear while appliances are within easy reach. And the kitchen island has storage built in to store a treasured collection of cook books.