The word ‘Contemporary’ refers to what’s popular right now, and for British Columbia residential construction nothing is more popular than ‘West Coast Contemporary’. This beautiful design style features the structural use of thick wooden timbers – heavy on the use of cedar – accented with more modern materials. It’s the raw and natural surfaces of a West Coast cabin mixed with a healthy dose of glass, vaulted ceilings and open concept architectural elements.

Designing for Longevity

Stone fireplaces blend with post-and-beam interiors that often flow seamlessly into expansive outdoor spaces for cooking and socializing; celebrating the fact that Vancouver has one of the mildest climates in Canada. Interior walls are often painted light or neutral colors in order to keep things modern, while the floors are generally complimentary hard wood or tile surfaces.

Having so much wood on an exterior can be a challenge to maintain, as exposed wood has a tendency to fade from rain and sunshine. Good design however can take this into account by judiciously placing exposed wood under adequate overhangs where it’s protected from the elements. As well, many designs will incorporate other wood siding materials and stone work into a more durable exterior.

Eco-Friendly Design Concepts

Experienced architects and builders also understand that people who appreciate this style are often environmentally conscious, and will incorporate the use of renewable and local West Coast materials. They will also endeavor to design homes that use superior building technology which promotes healthy living, energy efficiency and conservation.

And this isn’t just for big West Vancouver homes. A drive around central North Vancouver will provide numerous illustrations of how this design style has been used for 33 foot wide (or narrower) lots. Here’s a couple of fine examples by Kerschbaumer Design.

This Houzz link also has a number of excellent examples.

Contemporary Design Renovations

But, keep in mind that this style isn’t limited to just new home construction. It can also be incorporated into renovations. In the photos below a garage was added to this simple 1950’s North Vancouver bungalow. We worked closely with the owners to incorporate West Coast Contemporary elements into the design, playing the roof line of the new garage against a vaulted living room ceiling, and adding beams and other wood accents.

Ultimately your dream home or renovation is a reflection of your vision and lifestyle. Whether you prefer West Coast Contemporary, or some other style, we’re here to help you visualize and build the North Shore home you want. If you’re feeling inspired why not contact us for a discussion of your project?