Words by Adrienne Dyer. Photos by Jody Beck.
Set high on a cliff overlooking the Juan de Fuca Strait, this West Coast contemporary home, built by Philco Construction, opens from a single storey at street level to three full levels cascading down the steep lot.
To create enduring curb appeal that could also withstand the exposed environment, the Philco team clad the exterior in a combination of Western red cedar, natural stone, HardiePlank, and dark grey stucco. Triple-paned windows work together with upgraded exterior and roof insulation to protect the 4,000-plus square-foot-home from the elements, achieving a Built Green standard at the Gold level.
“This was important to the homeowners, who are energy conscious and wanted a home that is easy to maintain,” says Philco partner, Glenn Hamilton. Frosted-glass garage doors enhance the modern angles, as do the sloped roofs and simple landscaping of rock and grasses.
The front door opens into the inviting living spaces, where vaulted ceilings showcase locally sourced exposed fir beams, also used to support the concrete-topped deck bordered by glass railings with clear views to the ocean.
A stone-clad gas fireplace sits central to the living room, flanked by walnut cabinets.
Additional grain-matched walnut cabinets create seamless visual flow through the open dining area and into the kitchen, where marble countertops add luxury and texture to the overall palette of grey, white, and natural wood.
The well-stocked coffee bar sits adjacent to the kitchen, with a sliding panel door to keep everything out of sight.
Solid slab stair treads with a stainless steel custom railing lead down to the master and spare bedrooms on the middle floor.
In the master bedroom, a solid fir barn door separates the spacious sleeping area from the walk-in closet and ensuite bath, where hand-scribed pebbles create a river- like mosaic across the floor and wall tiles.
The lower floor completes the home with an exercise room, an additional bedroom, and media room with direct access to the exterior patios and a hot tub. With its dramatic location and use of natural materials, this home exemplifies Philco’s mastery of constructing homes that consider the West Coast’s rugged terrain, an impressive illustration of both structural endurance and timeless design appeal.
