Perched above Lions Bay, this 800 sq.ft. artist’s studio blends seamlessly with nature, featuring warm wood interiors, black aluminum glass, and a rooftop deck with stunning views. Designed for creativity and relaxation, it offers a West Coast aesthetic with durable, low-maintenance cedar and a minimalist, eco-friendly design.
Project Features
- Studio With a View
- Floor to Ceiling Metal Clad Windows
- Rooftop Deck
- Cedar Siding
- Concrete Floors
Work Description
Perched on the side of a mountain, this custom-built artist’s studio is a seamless extension of the existing home, originally designed by renowned architects Hassell/Griblin. The project required careful engineering, with anchors securing the structure to the rugged terrain, ensuring stability while preserving the surrounding landscape.
A thoughtfully designed driveway leads to a carport, providing easy access to the new studio. The exterior showcases West Coast architecture, featuring sustainably sourced cedar siding that blends harmoniously with the natural environment.
Above the studio, a rooftop deck offers breathtaking, unobstructed views of the ocean and Gulf Islands—a perfect retreat for inspiration and reflection. Inside, the minimalist design complements the function of the space, with painted concrete floors, oversized metal-clad windows for ample natural light, and custom millwork that includes two functional sinks to support the artistic process.
This project embodies craftsmanship, sustainability, and architectural integrity, creating a serene yet functional space for creativity while honoring the aesthetic of the original home.
About the Location - Lions Bay, BC
Lions Bay, BC, is a small, picturesque coastal village located along the Sea-to-Sky Highway, about 30 minutes north of Vancouver. Nestled between the mountains and the waters of Howe Sound, it offers stunning ocean views, lush forests, and a quiet, close-knit community atmosphere.
Challenges
Building a carport, studio, and rooftop deck on the side of a mountain in BC presents significant challenges. The steep terrain and potential for unstable soil or bedrock require careful engineering using anchors for support to ensure structural stability, especially in areas prone to erosion, heavy rainfall, or seismic activity. Additionally, access to the site for drilling and installing deep anchors can be difficult, increasing costs and complexity.
Numbers
Pricing Adjusted for Current Year
$850K
Timeline
Approximate Duration – 15 months
Property unoccupied during construction
Client
Our clients, passionate about both function and creativity, envisioned a space that would seamlessly blend with the original home designed by Hassell/Griblin. They needed a practical carport but wanted to elevate it beyond parking—creating an inspiring artist’s studio above, complete with a rooftop deck to take in the breathtaking views. Nestled among Grand Fir trees, the studio was designed as a peaceful retreat where the artist in the family could craft their work, surrounded by warm wood tones and abundant natural light. Sustainability and durability were also key factors, leading to the use of cedar siding, engineered stone countertops, and plywood interiors to minimize environmental impact. The rooftop deck, perfect for entertaining or quiet moments of reflection, extends their living space outdoors, making the most of the stunning West Coast surroundings.
D'Arcy Jones Architects
