West 30th Avenue II

This coastal house has panoramic views of downtown, the ocean and mountains, enhanced through expansive glass walls, detailed to eliminate the line between interior and exterior, and provide a seamless transition to large decks and a ground level garden, with lap pool and two freestanding pavilions—cabana and garage. A connection to the natural setting informs the choice of exterior materials, yellow cedar siding, concrete and glass; with exposed concrete and wood throughout the interior. The site slopes two floors from the street entry to the lane-accessed garage, with a north-east orientation to the view and garden. The house is notched at the north corner to increase sunlight to the garden and avoid obstructing neighbours’ views. Contextual zoning regulations in this neighbourhood discourage contemporary design. We kept the neighbours happy by designing a modest, low-scale to the street that conforms to high ratio of solid wall to window guidelines. Glazing on the front elevation provides views from the front through to the mountains and, combined with roof glazing, brings south light deep into the house.