It was a serendipitous opportunity for the INCLINEDESIGN team to re-imagine a house, originally designed in the early 1990s by respected Vancouver architect Werner Forster.
The most dramatic architectural features of the original house, such as the 24’ glass ceiling over the living/dining area, were integrated into a more open style of interior. The kitchen, ensuite, family room, and “man cave” were completely redesigned into an open plan; the family room ] was opened up to the kitchen, enlarged, and connected by Eclipse doors to a new alfresco terrace. An entire new media wall was created, with a coffee and wine bar integrated into the flow of the main living and dining areas. A new see-through fireplace added drama to kitchen and dining.
The interior palette of subtle background colors contrasted with vibrant touches, and a selection of contemporary art pieces were chosen to complement the clients comprehensive collection of Asian antiques.
A new whole house lighting plan was implemented throughout, with Leviton lighting controls.
The re-imagination included ‘first impressions’; a complete new exterior facade incorporating a substantial privacy fence and security gate. An 18th C. carved-wood Asian entry door was restored and integrated into the new entry. The existing landscaping was rethought, to include screen plantings of Temple bamboo strategically placed along the property lines. The large, steeply sloping rear yard was rebuilt to highlight a year-round stream running through the property, which led to the “rain-forest in the city” moniker.
The lower level “man cave” was increased in size to match the family room expansion above; floor to ceiling windows allowed more sunlight, along with views of the new ‘rainforest in the city’ landscaping. The redesign showcases the clients’ extensive collection of sports memorabilia.
The result: A dynamic 6600sf family residence, combining the best features of the original architects’ design, with a new architectural and interior design suitable for a young, entrepreneurial, jet-setting family.
NB: Our clients often do not allow publication of their projects. We were fortunate that when this residence recently became available for sale, our client contacted us with permission to showcase our design. Images ©Jim Chen Real Estate, Vancouver BC., Canada
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