Cardinal
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Type: Renovation
Year: 2025
The project is a renovation of a house built in 1977 in Deep Cove, North Vancouver, on a steeply sloping waterfront lot. A split-level plan was originally designed to accommodate a family, with typical room sizes for the time, within a modernist structure with vaulted interior spaces beneath sloping roofs and views towards the ocean and mountains.
The objective of the renovation was to respect the original intent and spirit of the house while completely reorganizing a very segmented floorplan without adding additional square footage. The bulk of the existing structure, along with the exterior materials, are reused where possible to preserve the original character of the architecture, with new enlarged wood windows and metal roof installed to maximize views and provide a much-needed upgrade to the envelope.
The major change consists of an entirely new vertical circulation path that connects all levels with one spiraling staircase introduced to provide a clear direction for movement. The previous bedrooms, all democratic in size and grouped together on the upper levels, were replaced with private primary suite and office, while new secondary bedrooms and a multipurpose rec room/study area for kids were relocated to the previously underutilized lower level. The original cramped living level has also been reconfigured to provide a more functional layout, creating a central gathering space that frames the unobstructed ocean and mountain views.
Renderings by Shane Hauser.