Exterior after

The new house is completely unrecognizable from its former shell. From the outside in, a natural West Coast casual theme plays throughout. Natural elements such as: river rock, slate, and wood species native to B.C. incorporated into the design really succeeded in bringing together the interior and exterior as one. From sandblasted art-glass entry doors that open into the foyer with cedar posts, to the frameless glass railings that provide unobstructed vistas – the integration of locally commissioned First Nation's art is a beautiful contrast to the elegant, modern abode.

As much as it is a stunning house, it's also been intelligently designed for maximum comfort and energy efficiency. Low-energy consumption heating and ventilation was installed, along with low-maintenance, tilt and turn, Low-E squared windows with solar ban 60 that minimize heat and cold transfer and also refract glare from ocean exposure.

After: The deck area

The most impressive feature of the luxurious beach house may be the 3 levels of deck area.

Copper caps, imported from Chicago, provide structural post protection and unique visual character. Corner planters with rock speakers give balance and texture and create hidden background music for entertaining. The decorative, low-maintenance vegetation softens the 2000 sq ft. cedar deck's angularity and blends in with the natural out doors area.

The Media room window allows for the wall mount flat screen to swing towards the hot tub area for outdoor enjoyment.

It's perfect for both personal R&R as well as day and night time entertaining.

After: The deck area daytime view

The beach house blends in seamlessly into its surroundings. The glass railings create the effect that the outdoor dining, lounging, and hot tub areas merge seamlessly with ocean, especially at high tide when water laps against front seawall.

Before: The great room

The "Great Room" would be an integrated living area on the main floor to include: a kitchen, eating area, media room, and fireplace seating space. The walls, columns, and stairs would be removed, opening up the interior and widening the view. Removal of the existing landing corners would also make a broader, more welcoming entrance to the lower floor.

The great room after (new fireplace)

As we see here, extensive use of West Coast First Nations artwork ties the whole design together. Furniture and accessories were chosen to fill the space, but avoid any sense of clutter.

The show piece of the multi-function area is the river-rock surround, gas fireplace. Details such as the cedar crafted mantle provide a cozy, cabin-esque feel. The extensive use of hard surface materials: slate, cedar, and fir work together in bringing some rustic charm to the otherwise sleek, modern elements.

The great room before (pre-living room)

Increasing the size of the window and doors would also help to open the space. Uniformity in size is necessary for balance and aesthetic concerns. More glass simply equates to a greater view of the incredible ocean front.

The great room after: Living room area

Not your typical open concept, the inventive layout of the room creates islands of dwelling enclaves – from kitchen, bar and dining to fireplace seating, to media centre – yet the lack of walls or separation evokes open grandeur.

Media centre before

The main floor walls, columns, and stairs, along with the lower storage all needed to be removed. Not only would this be necessary in order to create the open space plan that could integrate the kitchen, media area, dining space, and living room, it was really necessary to create a more efficient space.

Media centre after

If at some point, the amazing outdoor amenities, posh bar, or roaring fire don't hit the spot, there's still the entertainment area. There are ample high tech features: lighting control systems, distributed audio/video throughout, plus the media room window, which is designed to co-ordinate with the swing function of the television (allowing it to be viewed from the hot tub).

The kitchen before

The boxy, isolated kitchen needed to be integrated with the main floor in order to enhance overall functionality and flow, especially when considering potential work or entertaining space.

An eating bar connecting the kitchen to the rest of the main room would allow for a natural flow between places and be a perfect spot for casual interaction

The kitchen after

The result is not just your average cooking station, it's a chef-standard masterpiece of top of the line functionality.

The west coast theme extends throughout; the granite counter top merges contrasting stainless steel appliances (EnergyStar) and fir cabinetry. The easy-care slate flooring maintains visual inter-connectivity and maneuverability between adjoining areas.

The commercial grade features include: a dual fuel gas range, convection oven, and pot filler for large containers. A single compartment sink dispenses filtered water, both cold and insta-hot, along with a separate soap compartment. The integrated under-counter fridge/freezer draws for sink prep add extra storage space. The dishwasher has a new location that allows for easy transfer from sink to loading.

Under the counter lighting with dimmer allows for one to set the mood, as well as the integrated audio (throughout the home) for cooking or company music.

Then, there's every Canadian's dream – a covered glass canopy for all season barbecue, that leads from the kitchen. (not pictured)

After: The kitchen bar

How to solve the problem of some last minute prep in the kitchen while still being able to interact with your guests? Build an integrated bar, of course. The stunning seating area, with a deluxe drink station (pouring counter and high end wine storage facility) could also sub as an island work space at other times. The icing on the cake, or rather, the river rock pattern granite, is that added touch that bring together the cool seaside theme.

Dual wine storage unit

The temperature controlled dual wine storage unit with anti-glare, vibration dampers incorporates a refrigerated beverage storage drawers that frees up room in the main fridge.

The back-lit resin counter top with painted glass back splash gives the appearance of being carved from a chunk of beach glass – a reminder that a glorious ocean view is only steps away.

Before the bedroom

What's a beach house without luxurious master suites? Not one, but two were planned. To accommodate large footings that support the weight of the new structure, in depth structural and geo-technical engineering for good soil bearing must be enabled. The planned sloped 11 ft. ceilings would evoke the illusion of being on a boat when the tide is in.

The master suite

Natural fiber carpet meets slate steps that reach the newly created, spacious, 400 sq ft. plus rooms. Cantilevered joists with a 25-foot total span extend through the exterior wall of one of two suites to create private and secure decking that overlooks the scenic gulf islands.

The dresser and mirror are designed as the centerpiece and the furniture layout maximizes the views; perfectly conducive to reading and relaxing. Keypads located above the bedside tables control lighting, and distributed audio/video. The in-wall speakers allow different music or video from any given source.

The bathroom before

Standard counters and sink and blah tiling made for a typical utilitarian bathing facility.

The ensuite after

This unique sunken en-suite with floating cabinetry houses lighting that washes the floor for a soft nightlight. Dark, cool walls, warm cabinetry, flattering lighting re-configures the standard into the sublime. Space and shape come out of the tile-work via the staggered angularity of the en-suite's dual vessel sinks with minimalist hardware.

The spa shower

With a multi-headed steam shower (with duo capacity rain-head) and waterproof speakers ready for the soundtrack of the day, the last to do is add some essential oils into the steam shower receptacles to recreate a true spa experience.

The outdoor shower

On hot summer days after a dip in the ocean, this outdoor rain-head shower ready to wash off the salt water, is just one of many indulgences found in this luxury abode.