Site Specific

The west coast tradition of modernism, is one of connecting architecture to it's environment and creating an indoor outdoor synergy.  One of our goals when designing this Point Grey residence was to take full advantage of it's situation. With numerous rooms opening on to exterior terraces, some with expansive views and others with more intimate garden outlooks, at each level we wanted the residence to embrace it's site .  

Working with Paul Sangha Landscape Architecture, to provide the exterior site design, their artistry is eveident in every aspect of the design work for this special property.  Paul and his accomplished group, have maximized the varied terrain creating many different experiences within gardens.  They've brought architecture into the landscape by creating structure that beautifully supports both plant and human life in a harmonious setting.  We're so looking forward to next spring and seeing our client's wonderful project come to fruition.      

entry garden 

spa pool + fire feature with reflecting pool

elevation at rear of residence + seasonal colour story

In / Out

One of the most effective ways to expand a homes living space is through the creation of outdoor rooms.  In the RBI projects shown here we've optimized living potential by taking full advantage of the adjacent outdoors.  The expansion can be as simple as a fire bowl and lounge chairs.   Or fully realized with sumptuous furnishing  in spaces that provide weather protection, temperature, lighting + A/V controls.......... and everything in between.  Resort living without ever leaving home.    

BEND Bunny Lounge Chair / SOLUS Fire Bowl

CORO Shot Table + Fellini Chairs 

Naturally

A couple of years after we had designed a ranch house, complete with stables and riding ring, our clients asked us to design and integrate a swimming pool on the property.  The ranch home was sited to take full advantage of spectacular views, while remaining sensitive to it's environment.  Constructed of natural materials throughout, complete with living green roof,  there is little visual disruption between built architecture and the natural terrain.  Criteria for the addition of the new pool + lounge terrace followed suit.   We paved the terrace in un-gauged slate, and custom coloured the pool to connect with the lake beyond.   Furnishings are  Dedon (Lounge series), umbrellas from Tucci, and planting pots (Ming) by Serralunga.  The completed pool project sits harmoniously in it's beautiful grassland setting, surveying panoramic vistas.

Thanks for sending these amazing photos Jacquie!

Out There

For the outdoor living areas of this Palm Springs home, the retro elegant Canasta line by Patricia Urquiola (B+B Italia), seemed like the quintessential solution.   With it's 70's cool silhouettes, inspired (scaled up) adaptation of Vienna Straw and groovy needlework pillows, it perfectly fits the playbill.  A fresh modern approach with a vintage feel, and no comfort spared.  Umbrellas by Tucci, fire bowl Solus Decor and Trina Turk  pool towels.  

Our client is the uber glamorous writer and style maven, Jacquie Somerville.  Jacquie's creeds include, living life to the fullest and definitely getting out there.   (jacquiesomerville.com). We've had an awesome time this week completing her happening resort home.  The eclectic interiors, installation photos will follow shortly.   

Up On The Roof

Given arguably the most spectacular position for a roof deck in Vancouver, we choose to do less and let the situation be the star. This week our office began installation of a penthouse project and started at the very top.  The deck has two distinct areas, one is designated for lounge, the second houses a setting for dining.  We started by paving the roof in a flamed sand coloured granite to create a light reflecting surface.  The lounge area is composed of two identical seating groupings.  Large scale umbrellas provide intimacy (fashioning a ceiling) under an infinite sky.  Whilst commodious furniture is set for 'al fresco' repose for one (in contemplation) or many ( for receptions). The summer weather today was as much a reward, as seeing this space come together so beautifully. Night time will be magical.

Decked Out

The renowned livability of Vancouver shines even more brightly in summer. To take full advantage of this habitat, we created numerous outdoor settings, for our client's 'Pacific Modern' waterfront home. Both the architecture and the landscape design  seamlessly encourage indoor / out door living.  Walls evaporate and these exterior spaces flow effortlessly out of the interior.  Summer rooms with all the comfort, function + style, you would find inside.  Don't forget the sunscreen.

We used the same family of furniture + rugs throughout these expansive spaces, to allow for easy reconfiguration while entertaining or for changing needs. A neutral palette was selected for all furnishings which integrates beautifully with the outlook + exterior finishes.  The live edge ancient cedar dining table and benches were commissioned, specifically for this project.

True Colours

I always feel privileged to work with clients on a second, or as in this case our third project together. Their wonderful vacation home is located in Punta Mita Mexico. The first phase of our work was to extend the pool terrace and add a roof deck to better enjoy all aspects of the Mexican day + night. We were certainly inspired by the exquisite natural beauty of the location, and it's abundant floral vegetation. But also by our vivacious and stylish clients. Mexican rose marble and a local wood stained dark, provide the built hardscape. While generous scale furniture fosters lounging and just taking in the spectacular views. The saturated colours of the Bougainvillea informed our fabric selection, which seems perfectly at home under the clear pure tropical sun.

Summer Comes Late

We recently (last week) installed this great terrace. For most of June + July it was being re-surfaced while the pool and spa were treated with custom black glass tiles. Our client has returned to the city just in time to enjoy, a beautiful late summer in Vancouver and a wonderful new space in which to entertain or just lounge by the pool.  

Furniture B+B Italia, lamps Metalarte, center fire bowl by Solus Decor.