Words by Michelle Heslop. Photos by Joshua Lawrence.
Truth to materials is a vital tenet of modern architecture. Wood, concrete, glass, and steel mingle in this 4000-square-foot beachfront retreat to create a modern masterpiece. Designing the interior was a thrilling puzzle of angles for Interior Designer Jenny Martin of Jenny Martin Design, who calls the home “Edge” because of its unique triangular lines. The more challenging the home’s orientation, the more inventive Martin got with her creative design solutions. Jason Good of Jason Good Custom Cabinets grounded the open concept space with white oak wood grain in the kitchen, bathroom vanities and walk-in closet cabinetry. The client’s primary objective was to create a contemporary feel with a focus on natural materials to embrace the home’s natural beachfront surroundings.
The triangular configuration of the main floor allows for a unique open concept where oak Hakwood and polished concrete flooring serve to visually distinguish the kitchen from the living area. European Hakwood oak flooring in “Solum” is finished in hardwax oil for an natural beachy look. Polished concrete in “Solus, Portland” contrasts in a sleek industrial vibe. Millwork and cabinetry by Good are done in a flat panel rift cut white oak with a horizontal grain. Maximizing views from every angle, an accordion window wall and stacked windows on the main floor provide optimal light and air flow, as well as foster an open relationship with the surrounding landscape.
The “Cinder” quartz countertop on the island offers a soft visual divide between the two distinct areas. Polished chrome fixtures and oil-rubbed bronze knobs provide a rustic zen feel in the kitchen. Adjacent to the dining area, an inset glass-encased wine room framed by a hanging barn door with raw steel sliders add an eye-catching element in the unassuming kitchen.
Benjamin Moore’s “Grey Mist” in eggshell and satin used throughout the house provides a calming backdrop to the natural materials. Bocci lighting adds a dash of colour and interest in the neutral colour scheme.
The main level master bedroom maintains the home’s open concept and calming mood with natural materials playing a lead role. The elevated ensuite with freestanding Cube bathtub and glass enclosed steam shower leads to a generous walk-in closet to complete the space.
The unique features of the main floor bathroom include a slide away mirror over the floating vanity that reveals a windowed view of the trees outside while a framed lighting inset creates illumination over the Aquabrass Turks freestanding soaker tub. The floating vanity and wall mounted toilet keep the space light and airy to emphasize the spa-like motif.
Strong architectural lines define the upper walkway where raw wood and steel crossbeams play alongside cable railings to keep sight lines open. To dampen the home’s acoustics, soundproofing panels were installed on the ceiling. The floating walkway connects a media room, second master bedroom with ensuite and leads to the office above the garage.
The accordion window wall fosters an indoor/outdoor connection and opens onto a patio overlooking the sea. Landscape designer Jonathan Craggs echoed the home’s natural zen vibe on the exterior with hand-poured concrete steps and a concrete perimeter wall softened by coastal seagrass, Japanese ornamental vegetation and evergreens. To complete the outdoor living space the patio features a 12-foot fire table formed from rock and steel with infrared heaters mounted in the deck’s overhang. Next to it, a built-in barbecue and pizza oven create a casual bistro area.
The upper master bedroom serves as a breezy sanctuary in the beachfront home. Wood crossbeams, knotty oak flooring and polished marble create design cohesion with the rest of the home while the freestanding Cube soaker tub with a view creates a private spa-like atmosphere. The walk-in glass shower with rain shower head and fixed-jet hand shower by Blu Bathworks is encased in a single slab of “Hillcrest” polished marble with unglazed porcelain tile flooring for an elegant finish. The Wetstyle above-counter Cube collection sinks on the vanity maintain the sleek spa atmosphere.
