With its single-story construction and efficient use of space, there’s a lot to love about the architecturally distinctive rancher. Backed by a meadow in suburban Victoria, this rambler tells a unique story. Recently renovated by Mac Renovations, the home was built in the early 1990’s in collaboration with the Engineering Technology Department at Camosun College and Camosun carpentry students. Built as a model home for R-2000, it was light years ahead with an industry-endorsed technical performance standard for energy efficiency, indoor air quality and environmental responsibility in home construction.
Built as a prototype, the home’s state of the art heat recovery ventilator provided fresh air and improved climate control, saving energy by reducing heating and cooling requirements for many applications. “Recently legislated as a part of the building code for recirculating air, the home was about twenty years before its time for circulation systems. The vision that this house had 20 years ago is now becoming standard today,” says project coordinator, Derrick Newman from Mac Renovations.
Built as a prototype, the home’s state of the art heat recovery ventilator provided fresh air and improved climate control, saving energy by reducing heating and cooling requirements for many applications. “Recently legislated as a part of the building code for recirculating air, the home was about twenty years before its time for circulation systems. The vision that this house had 20 years ago is now becoming standard today,” says project coordinator, Derrick Newman from Mac Renovations.
Fast forward to 2015, for a professional mother, two teenage kids and two large dogs, the dysfunctional layout was proving to be too confining. With the goal of creating a welcoming home to entertain friends and family, the homeowner turned to Mac Renovations and their interior designer, Jennifer Pacheco, to transform this solidly built rancher into an inviting, guest-worthy home. The transformation included knocking out walls to create an open-plan, plenty of skylights, a 12×12 addition for a sunroom, a unique covered deck, an airy entryway, an in-home art studio, updated bedroom and bathrooms and the pièce de résistance, a chef’s kitchen.
A coveted farmhouse sink her jumping off point, the owner opted for white shaker, medium density fibreboard (MDF), cabinets for their more traditional aesthetic and their added heat and humidity resistance. A welcomed newcomer in kitchen appliances, a concealed microwave drawer is space efficient and convenient. The double oven with island cooktop completes this efficient kitchen’s work triangle.
Standing up to red wine and oil, quartz countertops are a forgiving surface for busy kitchens — the bright white hue complements the grounding blue base of the island. Large heated flooring tile in the kitchen provides a natural concrete look.
“The owner absolutely loves blues and greys so the challenge was to pick the right tones to prevent the home from feeling too cool,” says Pacheco. After several redesigns, the television was placed above the fireplace instead of on the built-ins where it was originally intended. Pacheco adds that “a dark navy blue was used on the fireplace to help blend the tv’s presence.” Floating open shelves provide display space for the owner’s cherished global treasures.
For dog-friendly flooring, they chose grey porcelain tiles and high-pressure laminate flooring. “If the dogs damage the floors over time, the owner felt better knowing she hadn’t splurged on hardwood floors,” states Pacheco. Warm wood tones in the flooring ground the space while counterbalancing the cool blues and greys.
Grey quartz countertops on a floating bamboo vanity, Asian-inspired accent tile and black slate bring a zen-like serenity to the ensuite bathroom.
“One of the best features of the renovation is the 12×12 natural light-filled sunroom addition with vaulted ceilings. A purpose-built refuge designed specifically for relaxation, the sunroom allows you to enjoy the serene, park-like atmosphere in the back,” says Newman.
Creating even more livable space for outdoor entertaining, french doors off the sunroom open onto a covered back patio. Newman adds that “covered decks are one of our signature styles that have won us Care Awards. Coverage ensures the deck can be used in the shoulder months, lowers the maintenance and triples the lifespan of the homeowner’s investment.”
“We had cleaners come in and polish the house up for the final reveal. The homeowner was so overwhelmed with the results — it was quite an emotional unveiling for all of us. It really was life changing for them and we love a happy ending.”
