Bellevue

Constructed on a narrow waterfront lot in West Vancouver’s Dundarave neighbourhood, this home presented a complex set of site-driven construction challenges that directly influenced both form and methodology. Anticipated sea level rise required a fully tanked basement, designed for complete water resistance, combined with elevated structural assemblies and durable waterfront-grade materials. Three-storey reinforced concrete shear walls on the east and west sides provide critical dead load to counter potential flood uplift while doubling as acoustic barriers between adjacent properties.

The tight building footprint imposed limits on main-floor structural spans, ruling out an internal garage without compromising floor-to-floor heights and functional space. As a solution, a detached exterior carport was built in the front yard with a black metal trellis, providing a covered, shaded staging area for daily activities while maintaining a visually unobtrusive presence. The trellis system is repeated on the southern, view-facing elevation for solar control and privacy, and the screening concept continues in vertical privacy screens along the north and south façades. Black zinc cladding with a wave-like pattern ties the exterior material strategy together while providing additional screening and aesthetic cohesion.

Interior construction combines structural expression with high-end finishes. Indiana limestone floors are paired with clear hemlock ceilings on the main floor. Oak stair treads cantilever directly from concrete walls, supported by a monolithic, uninterrupted glass guardrail spanning the full stair run. Millwork in light grey and white tones complements marble countertops, achieving a clean, durable, and buildable finish palette suitable for high-traffic residential use.

Design: Cedric Burgers, Ben Coulsten, Marieke Burgers, Joanna Sotomski
Build: CB Developments  
Construction Management: Alex Burgers                                                                                  
Structural: Rob Smith                                                                                                               
Landscape: Ron Rule                                                                                                       
Photography: Martin Tessler