Glass House Kitsilano

We transformed this building from a 5 unit rental house to a single family custom designed home with 2 bedroom rental suite. We stripped this home down to it’s bones and lifted the structure to allow for a deeper basement on a new ICF concrete foundation.  Some character pieces were retained and re-used at the finishing stage including a refinished clawfoot tub, stained glass windows, and a radiant hot water register. All new drainage, mechanical, fixtures and finishes – a tip to tail major renovation. The colourful yet sophisticated design, marrying the old structure with new elements made this project challenging (especially building through the recent pandemic) but well worth the effort. The home was built to a high performance level, giving the young family a quiet, efficient and durable home to enjoy for many years to come. 

Location Vancouver, west side Type Residential, renovation Size 4,000 sf Designer Project 22 Design Completion Fall 2021

Pull It Together

Multiple tile specifications, linear drain, dual shower heads, custom aluminum glass and door frames, a repurposed clawfoot tub and floor standing tub filler. Lots to pull together. Interesting note about the tub - made of solid steel (weighs almost 300 pounds), we sent it away to a car body shop for sandblasting and then repainted the two tone colors specified by the designers. Even the gold feet were re finished for a fresh new look!

Preserve the Nook

A combination of modern and sophisticated finishes were specified throughout the home, but the 'breakfast nook' was specifically requested as a element to retain from the original layout. All new windows, a custom bench, and stained oak paneling were delicately installed to provide a perfect spot for breakfast or an after school snack

A place for everything

Smart space planning provided a great mud room for the family to use from the rear yard when arriving home from school or work. Bright and colourful, with a separate millwork area for each family member. A durable floor ready for all that Vancouver can throw at it, a must have.

Timeless

The original floors of the home were not able to be salvaged, but the narrow oak boards with walnut inlay and border details were documented and recreated at the finish. The stained glass was removed from the original home, restored by a local craftsman, and added to a new window unit to retain the character, but still provide upgraded energy efficiencies of new windows. The fireplace surround is custom mitred Ishiburo Marble batons.

Focus Space

A dedicated home office was carefully integrated near the sitting room. Custom metal frames with reeded glass were built on quiet sliders to provide privacy and focus but still maintain lots of light connection to the rest of the home.

Business in the Front, Party in the Back

A modern extension at the rear of the home provided extra square footage on 2 levels, but also allowed an opportunity for more light to enter the home and provide a perfect backdrop for a home vegetable garden and excellent patio space.