Western Living Magazine
Off-the-Grid Living: Exploring the Island Cabin near Desolation Sound, B.C.
It’s Always Happy Hour at These 7 Homes with Built-in Bars
Great Spaces: Vancouver’s Wildlight Kitchen and Bar Is a Natural Beauty
3 Parisian Bistro-Inspired Comfort Food Recipes to Bring a Taste of Paris Home
Recipe: Confit Lamb With Roasted Eggplant and Baby Potatoes
Recipe: Sausage With Aligot
The Maui Resort That’s Banking on Your Thoughtfulness
Your Ultimate Travel Itinerary: Brooklyn Like a Local
The 2024 Spring Road Trip Destination You Won’t Want To Miss
Trending for 2024: Top 10 Stylish Furniture and Home Design Picks to Revitalize Your Space
How to achieve kitchen perfection: luxury appliance brand Fisher & Paykel shares all
Editors’ Picks: The Best Books We Read in 2023
How Do I Enter the WL Designers of the Year People’s Choice Awards?
Introducing the Winners of Our First Annual WL Design 25 Awards
WL Design 25 Winners 2024: White Out
An architectural collaboration that wows.
Photos by Andrew Latreille
Putting a home this striking so close to Vancouver’s Arbutus Greenway is a liability: how many bike crashes are you likely to cause from riders gawking at the graceful architectural terraces, beautiful brickwork and green roof?
But we suppose that’s the cycling community’s cross to bear. The design team at BLA Design Group and Wiedemann Architectural Design were just trying to create something special for the homeowners—a home that was simultaneously monolithic and full of light. So, yes, the four-level, 9,700-square-foot home wows from the outside with unusual-to-Vancouver masonry, black metal detailing and double-height windows, but the interiors are just as spectacular.
Sunlight streams in through windows with high-contrast frames; the naturally stained wood flooring and millwork adds addition warmth. In the kitchen, a wall of grey cabinetry offers ample space for hiding away dishware and pantry staples. Sliding glass doors and an open floor plan allow sightlines to easily flow.
It’s a showstopper designed with many moments of quiet pause in mind. A tub, surrounded by windows that overlook the treetops; a home office with a door that blends seamlessly with the surrounding wood-paneled walls; an intimate games room enclosed by smoked glass.
That being said: the many outdoor spaces (pick a terrace, any terrace!) also offer opportunities for a respite… and to wave at the cyclists passing by.
Originally published November 2021
Are you over 18 years of age?