Words by Adrienne Dyer. Photos by Joshua Lawrence.
Tucked away in one of the friendliest neighbourhoods in Victoria, this design and build by Adam Fryatt of MDRN Built is quintessentially modernist with its minimalist form, natural materials, and generous use of glass. “At only 2,975 square feet, including the garage, it’s a compact building, defined by shape and form,” says Fryatt, whose team incorporated finely textured cream stucco on the exterior paired with Western red cedar, with zinc standing seam metal cladding blanketing the top floor.
The modern angles are softened by a flagstone front path and slightly bohemian landscaping by Biophilia Design.
The recessed front entry incorporates built-in platform seating where the homeowners can engage with neighbours. Inside, natural oak floors and a combination of white lacquer and bleached cherry cabinetry create a simple palette with enduring style.
Rugged concrete Caesarstone wraps the kitchen island, while the main kitchen countertops are finished in pre-stressed stainless steel.
In place of full walls, Fryatt designed compartmentalized living spaces on the main floor with a central, two-way wood-burning fireplace clad in Venetian plaster, surrounded by a poured-in-place concrete hearth.
A built-in wall unit incorporates storage and sliding doors to hide away the television when not in use while an office nook offers privacy in plain sight.
Similarly, a floor-to-ceiling wardrobe in the master bedroom separates the custom-designed bed from the walk-in closet. Bedside tables, also designed by Fryatt, float weightlessly to keep the room uncluttered and airy.
A serene ensuite in simple materials possesses a floating double vanity and concrete-look walls grounded by textured black tile floors.
“The bedroom is a retreat, like a jewel box,” states Fryatt, who adds that although the room is set up high, the wrap-around green roof, with its lush grass plantings, makes the sleeping area feel like part of the garden.
A lesson in creative space planning, Fryatt’s design included two bedrooms plus a study upstairs, a dedicated pantry, mudroom, mechanical room, and a one-bedroom suite downstairs. “The key to this design is the natural light — the configuration and placement of windows profoundly impact the experience of living in the house, as well as the home’s architectural expression,” Fryatt adds.
Everywhere, subtle details like clerestory windows and perforated railings, custom metalwork, and hemlock window liners add extra layers of richness and intrigue.
The home is a perfect pairing of both design and construction. But as Fryatt says, “It’s the detailing and craftsmanship by our staff and trades that really makes it sing.”
