W. 3rd Ave Residence

A modern residence in Vancouver’s west side combines a texturally rich
and highly crafted approach with the owner’s eclectic aesthetic.

The site of this new Point Grey, Vancouver residence by Bricault presented numerous
design challenges. To address an unusually narrow, long, and steep site, the building is
conceived as a set of stacked offset volumes, which maximize natural light while
offering privacy and stunning views. Moving through the property and home, carefully
framed views allow for moments of respite, breaking up the procession.

The design process considered the client’s vision for flexibility and open plan living. In
the dining and living room, multi-panel doors to the balcony fold away to merge indoor
and outdoor living, fully embracing the moderate climate of the Northwest Coast, while
taking in the sea and mountain views.

Constructed of marine bronze spindles, Afromosia wood steps, and a steel structure,
the open central staircase allows for ventilation and light in the centre of the home. The
floating staircase provides an impressive anchoring form, while passively drawing cool
air through the house in the summer—no air conditioning is required.

Bricault worked with a number of master craftsmen to produce an array of custom
elements in the home, ranging from: an ‘oyster’ sink of carved solid teak; a mixed
metal tapestry in the stairwell to amplify natural light while creating privacy, backlit by a
constellation of small custom glass pendants produced in-house by Bricault Design;
bronze panels for the fireplace surround and entry intercom that are etched with
Japanese abstract and floral patterns; and a custom hot tub with a mosaic tile design
that recalls the iconic basalt and limestone wave pattern of the Copacabana boardwalk
—a nod to the client’s connection to Brazil.

The clients’s playful and artistic sensibility is expressed by these details and more;
she’s an avid photographer, so the laundry room is equipped to perform as a dark
room. The project also incorporates a woodworking shop for her partner.
Beyond its functional purposes, the laneway garage and studio solve the project's
steep site challenge. Most neighboring garages in the area sit perched at the top of
their steep and largely unusable yards. Here, the addition of the studio below the
garage earned the project city approval to lower rear grade, thereby creating a usable
rear yard.

Many design strategies consider the project’s impact on the environment, including:
solar hot water heating system and hot tub heat recovery system; triple glazed
windows; 1,700-gallon cistern for capturing rainwater to feed toilets, landscaping, and
green roofs; and the use of wood throughout. The poured-in-place terrazzo, boardformed
concrete walls, and multi-hued palette of wood types infuse warmth and
texture throughout the interior of the space. Bricault has created an entirely liveable
and richly detailed modern home.