A striking angular extension has breathed new life into a 1960s home perched on the rugged coastline of British Columbia, Canada. The innovative addition, designed by Splyce Design, features a dramatic pointed cantilever that appears to hover above the rocky terrain while providing stunning 180-degree views of the surrounding inlet.
The project began when clients approached the architectural firm after purchasing the original 1960s residence with visions of creating a completely new home. However, given the property's sensitive location adjacent to ocean waters and protected marine habitat, the architects proposed a more environmentally conscious solution: preserving and renovating the existing structure while adding a carefully designed single-story extension.
The addition's distinctive irregular shape was dictated by strict waterfront setback requirements that govern construction in this ecologically sensitive area. Housing the primary bedroom and en suite bathroom, the new 3,000-square-foot structure was designed with a minimal footprint to reduce environmental impact. The architects incorporated recessed concrete foundation walls to avoid over-excavation in the marine protected zone, creating the impression that the structure floats above the landscape.
The most striking architectural feature is the soaring roof that extends 13 feet above a cantilevered screen wall, culminating in a dramatic pointed terminus. This bold geometric form contrasts sharply with the shed-roof design of the original house, creating a dialogue between old and new. The addition is clad in light-stained cedar, providing a warm counterpoint to the original structure's dark finishes that echo the granite shoreline below.
Access to the home has been reimagined through a choreographed approach featuring a colonnade-lined staircase that leads visitors to the front entrance. The landscape design by Andrew van Egmond seamlessly integrates patios and pathways with the site's native vegetation and natural topography, respecting the existing ecosystem while enhancing the home's connection to its surroundings.
Expansive windows throughout the addition serve dual purposes: some feature concealed frames to dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior spaces, while others are precisely positioned to frame specific water vistas. These carefully planned openings capture the shifting patterns of light and ocean reflections throughout the day, creating dynamic interior spaces that change with the natural rhythms of the coastal environment.
The project team included Mdrn Built as the general contractor, Aspect Engineers providing structural engineering expertise, and Ema Peter documenting the completed work through photography. The collaborative effort demonstrates how thoughtful design can enhance a historic structure while respecting environmental constraints and celebrating the dramatic natural setting of Canada's Pacific coast.
