In North Vancouver, British Columbia, two adjacent plots of land have been transformed into a cohesive property where a primary dwelling, a pool house, and a greenhouse are not merely freestanding structures, but integral components of a continuous landscape. This ambitious undertaking, led by Garret Cord Werner Architects for the architectural design, HB Design for the interior aesthetics, and Donohoe Living Landscapes for the outdoor environment, with construction managed by Meister Construction, demonstrates a philosophy where architecture, interior design, and topography converge into a single, flowing material narrative. Here, no element asserts dominance, and the boundaries separating indoor sanctuaries from the natural world are deliberately softened and interwoven.
The built environment encompasses approximately 6,100 square feet, comprising a main residence spanning three levels and 4,235 square feet, complemented by a 1,870-square-foot pool house. These two principal structures are not connected by conventional corridors or breezeways. Instead, an intentional alley acts as a crucial link, meticulously integrated into the landscape design to serve as a genuine transitional space rather than a mere afterthought. When the interior gates are opened, an unobstructed visual pathway extends through both segments of the property. Positioned towards the public thoroughfare, the greenhouse and accompanying vegetable beds are enhanced by boulevard plantings that extend beyond the property limits. Ryan Donohoe, the visionary behind Donohoe Living Landscapes, approached the property line not as a barrier, but as an opportunity for a communal gesture, challenging the insular design conventions often seen in suburban residential developments.
The architectural style, reminiscent of a modern farmhouse with its brickwork, wooden slats, and expansive glass panels, finds a harmonious counterpart in HB Design's interior material strategy. Shannon Bradner, a partner at the studio, guided the interior design efforts alongside principal Jennifer Heffel. Joining the project at a relatively advanced stage, their contribution included a drawing package that garnered praise from the Meister construction team for its remarkable efficiency and coordination. The chosen color scheme is neutral and earthy, drawing inspiration from the existing natural tones of the surroundings. However, what truly distinguishes these interiors is the inventive reinterpretation of familiar materials, allowing them to transcend their typical associations.
Porcelain tiles, quartzite, and meticulously selected wood varieties were chosen not only for their inherent tonal compatibility with the architectural brickwork but also for their dynamic interaction with natural light throughout the day. Bradner's design philosophy involved layering diverse textures, which served to soften the precise lines of the architecture and imbue the spaces with a warmth that might otherwise have been absent. The process of material sourcing alone spanned several months, reflecting a painstaking attention to undertones and grain patterns—a level of material connoisseurship typically associated with high-end hospitality projects rather than single-family homes.
Ultimately, this North Vancouver project stands as a testament to the power of integrated design, where a holistic approach to architecture, interiors, and landscape creates a dwelling that feels deeply connected to its environment. The thoughtful selection and application of materials, both inside and out, contribute to an atmosphere of refined tranquility and seamless living, blurring the distinctions between constructed and natural forms to craft a truly unique residential experience.