Words by Adrienne Dyer. Photos by Jody Beck.
Striking angled windows offer ocean views from every room in this distinctly modern, ranch- style home designed by Todd Martin of Knot-in- a-Box and built by Peter Robilliard Construction. It’s a design driven by the land itself, an example of how considerable constraints spark creative solutions that lead to beautiful originality.
“This was an incredibly interesting project,” states Martin, who says the homeowners fell in love with the property despite its odd angles, rocky landscape, and environmental restrictions — including a large storm drain easement that required a removable concrete walkway to bridge the driveway and front door. During the design process, he employed 3D architectural modeling to help the clients visualize how their finished home would embrace the natural surroundings, working closely with Robilliard to solve the intricacies of building on the challenging lot.
To consider privacy, Robilliard installed a faux fir aluminum screen at just the right angle to conceal the outdoor living space from neighbours yet allow a clear ocean view from the driveway.
To provide long-lasting protection from the elements, Robilliard clad the house in white acrylic stucco and concrete-look Nichiha siding, complemented by alder soffits set with pot lights.
From a design standpoint, the home’s defining feature is its angular form. “The whole home is triangular, with concrete columns that set the angle for the windows,” says Robilliard.
Once inside the 150-pound, solid fir front door, built by Karmanah Wood Design, the main floor age-in-place design is efficiently delineated into a guest room with ensuite, master bedroom, home office, and a 1,000-square-foot great room orientated to capture the sweeping views of the Juan de Fuca Strait.
“The windows lean out ten degrees, giving the sense that you are floating out over the landscape, which rolls in under the house below,” states Martin.
Minimalist interior finishings curated by interior designer, Sandy Nygaard, rest quietly against the brilliant views of the sea and sky.
White walls, quartz countertops, and matte off-white cabinetry create a gallery backdrop for exposed beams and grain- matched walnut features, like the large kitchen island and stunning master bath surround all built by Thomas Philips Woodworking. Large-format floor tiles are visually soft, yet durable and dog friendly underfoot.
With an entertainment room downstairs, a spa-inspired ensuite with a powerful steam shower, and a convenient coffee bar in the walk- in closet, it’s a design tailored perfectly to the couple’s needs.
Having worked with Robilliard on a previous project, the couple knew it would be built in a timely manner and was completed in only 14 months. Taking cues from the landscape, the design is a modern illustration of the couple’s love of the ocean and offers a serenity only found in a forever home.
