scott and scott architects refurbish mid-century house in north vancouver

scott and scott architects refurbish mid-century house in north vancouver
all images © scott and scott architects

scott and scott architects have refurbished a mid-century house located near the base of grouse mountain in north vancouver, canada. both the architects and the owners shared the same interest when deciding what needed to be done: respect the original details of the house while complementing it with traditional materials. the home, while extensively renovated over the years, has a modest scale, well-proportioned rooms and a strong connection to the forest.

the living space was stripped of embellishments

the project involved designing and restoring a 150 square meter dwelling, that stripped the living room of its embellishments, rationalized the services and replaced the enclosed stairs with new open steel ones that allow the light from the second floor hall window to connect to the ground floor. to brighten the spaces, douglas fir beams were lye-washed and structural decking was finished with a cloth applied pigmented oil. the materials used were selected for their contrasting strengths and minimal appeal that use traditional methods that are maintainable and that acquire visible signs of use over time.

view from entry to dining area 

the kitchen was crafted of solid ash and designed for the open storage of the owner’s collection of studio pottery. while open and light in section, the joinery was detailed to structurally bear the weight of the 800kg marble counter monolith which was milled from a block. the design of the house respects both its history and location, integrating the exteriors thanks to the natural light and views that the floor-to-ceiling windows provide.

the enclosed stair was replaced with a new open one made of steel and fir

the new staircase allows natural light to flow from the second floor to the first one 

the floor-to-ceiling windows have views to the wooded forest

the rear forested yard can be accessed from the kitchen

the 800kg marble counter monolith was milled from a block

the joinery was detailed to structurally bear the weight of the marble countertop

monolith fabrication

hisnet inlet quarry located on vancouver island near the alpine cabin

floor plans

project info:

location: north vancouver, canada

completed: spring 2015
area: 150 sq.m. (1600 sq’)
photo credits: scott and scott architects

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: juliana neira | designboom