Pop Goes the Young, Vancouver Custom Home

A Vancouver new build pops in a neighborhood full of post-war homes.

Contemporary house with fiber cement siding, cedar accents, and large trimless windows.
Close-up of siding and hemlock soffits with a large trimless window.
Front view of home featuring fiber cement siding, hemlock soffits, and a bold entry door.
Contemporary home featuring fiber cement siding, cedar soffits, and large windows.
Front view of modern home with large windows, cedar soffits, and walk-out basement patio.
Side view of contemporary house with cedar soffits, large trimless windows, and fiber cement siding.
Close-up of yellow modern front door set against gray fiber cement siding.
Yellow entry door with glass railing and fiber cement siding at the front steps.
Front exterior with yellow entry door, hemlock soffits, and concrete stairs.
Exterior rear view with upper decks, hemlock soffits, and large trimless windows.
Angled rear exterior showing fiber cement siding, hemlock soffits, and upper deck.
Rear exterior view with main and upper decks with glass railings.
Close-up of covered rear patio with seating, large trimless windows, and hemlock soffits.
Modern rear facade with upper decks, and metal roof
Three-story rear exterior view with contemporary outdoor living spaces.
Side view of detached garage with modern roofline, fiber cement siding, hemlock soffits, and cedar gate.
Contemporary garage exterior with modern roofline, fiber cement siding, hemlock soffits, and raised garden bed.
Bright interior with storage-integrated fireplace, trimless windows, and minimalist aesthetic.
Detail view of wood open-riser staircase with glass panels and black metal handrail.
Vancouver open concept interior featuring U-shaped staircase, wood flooring, and natural light.
Contemporary kitchen with white cabinetry, marble backsplash, and warm wood lower cabinets.
Clean-lined kitchen featuring marble backsplash, integrated sink, and wood cabinetry.
Kitchen island with bar seating, marble backsplash, and minimalist pendant light fixture.
Sleek kitchen featuring built-in ovens, wood cabinetry, and marble backsplash.
Kitchen with island seating, wood cabinetry, white uppers, and minimalist lighting.
Bright kitchen with marble waterfall island, wood cabinetry, and bar seating.
Contemporary kitchen with marble backsplash, integrated black sink, and sleek pull-down faucet.
Kitchen with marble backsplash, wood cabinetry, and built-in gas cooktop under vent hood.
Airy kitchen with large window and central quartz island.
Modern kitchen with built-in ovens, tall white cabinetry, and wood base cabinets.
Contemporary kitchen with quartz backsplash, waterfall island, and black bar stools.
Close-up of modern kitchen island with wood cabinetry, integrated shelving, and built-in drink fridge.
Minimalist kitchen with wood cabinetry, quartz backsplash, and expansive trimless window.
Dining space with modern linear pendant, hinged patio doors, and built-in seating with storage.
Open concept dining and living space with sleek fireplace, and access to walk-out deck.
Open-concept living and kitchen with quartz island, built-in ovens, and concealed panels.
Dining and living space in neutral colour tones, and sleek fireplace.
Living area with neutral palette, large, trimless windows, glass patio doors, and exterior hemlock soffits.
Living space with built-in media wall, neutral palette, storage seating, and expansive trimless windows.
Bright living room with wood flooring, corner windows, and integrated millwork seating.
Detail view of sleek linear fireplace with built-in storage bench and wood flooring.
Vancouver contemporary wall-mounted fireplace with storage bench.
Fireplace with integrated storage seating set against neutral palette.
Dining space with wood floors, linear fireplace, patio doors, and large trimless window.
Close-up of window ledge with wood detailing.
Vanity with vessel sink, quartz countertop, circular mirror, and marble-look wall tile.
Close-up of vessel sink with quartz counter, round mirror, pendant lighting, and black tile accent wall.
Bathroom with floating double vanity, quartz countertop, and full-width mirror.
Bathroom with floating wood vanity, quartz counter, and seamless shower.
Minimalist bathroom featuring wood cabinetry, quartz surfaces, and walk-in shower with glass panel..
Modern shower with quartz wall tile, glass enclosure, and frosted trimless window.
Walk-in shower featuring quartz wall tile, and ceiling-mounted rain shower.
Modern floating staircase with wood treads, glass railing, and bright neutral walls.
Interior stairwell with black metal pendant, trimless window, and minimalist design.
Hallway with skylight, modern pendant lighting, wood flooring, and built-in closet doors.
Modern shower with quartz-look tile, glass enclosure, and trimless window for natural light.
Contemporary Vancouver bathroom featuring floating wood vanity, quartz countertop, and full-width mirror.
Bathroom with floating wood vanity, quartz counter, and glass shower enclosure.
Bright bedroom with vaulted ceiling, statement pendant light, and trimless window wall.
Bright basement suite kitchen featuring center quartz island, stainless steel appliances, and patio access.
Basement kitchen with stainless steel range, quartz backsplash, and wood cabinetry.

A modern Vancouver new-build stands out among post-war homes, designed for a young couple seeking durability and low maintenance. Clad in James Hardie with cedar accents, a metal roof, and fiberglass powder-coated windows, the home ensures longevity.

Inside, a minimalist aesthetic features large, trimless windows for abundant natural light. The open-concept kitchen flows into the dining and living areas, with extra storage beneath the North wall fireplace. Bathrooms boast walk-in showers for a spacious feel, while a U-shaped, open-riser staircase enhances light flow. A well-crafted basement suite offers in-law living or rental potential. Thoughtfully designed, this home is ideal for a growing family in a densifying city.

Project Features

  • Modern Architecture
  • Fiber Cement Siding
  • Hemlock Soffits
  • Open Concept Living
  • Neutral Color Pallette

Work Description

Designed with a focus on low maintenance, durability, and high-performance materials, the home ensures longevity while maintaining a clean and sophisticated look.  The exterior features James Hardie siding with cedar accents, a metal roof, and fiberglass powder-coated windows for efficiency and longevity.

Inside, large trimless windows maximize natural light, while the open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area centers around a storage-integrated fireplace. Bathrooms feature seamless walk-in showers, and a U-shaped open-riser staircase enhances the home’s airy feel.

A self-contained basement suite was designed specifically for the homeowners’ in-laws, providing a comfortable and private living space. It maintains the same high-quality materials and craftsmanship as the main home, ensuring a seamless aesthetic.

About the Location - Kensington-Cedar Cottage

Kensington-Cedar Cottage is a diverse and vibrant neighborhood in East Vancouver, BC, known for its mix of historic charm and modern urban living. It features a blend of residential areas, parks, and commercial hubs, with a strong community feel. The neighborhood is home to Trout Lake and John Hendry Park, popular spots for outdoor activities and local events. With a mix of older character homes and newer developments, it attracts families, young professionals, and longtime residents alike. Its central location offers easy access to urban conveniences, making it a desirable place to live.

Challenges

The project was undertaken concurrently with the construction of a laneway house on the property, which required careful budget management. Initiated at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the project faced challenges related to workforce limitations and the implementation of new safety protocols. Despite these constraints, our team adapted by adjusting crew sizes and adhering to evolving health regulations. Through strategic planning and perseverance, we successfully completed the project, overcoming material shortages and logistical delays caused by the pandemic.

Pricing Adjusted for Current Year

$1.6M Plus HST

Approximate Duration – 12 months

Property unoccupied during construction

Our clients, a young professional couple, embarked on an exciting new chapter as they prepared to start a family. With their careers based in Vancouver, they chose to stay in the city to maintain a short commute and enjoy its vibrant urban lifestyle. However, as their needs evolved, so did their home.

To accommodate their growing family, they decided to renovate and expand their existing house, ensuring it provides the space and functionality needed for years to come. A key part of their renovation plan was the addition of a dedicated in-law suite. Since family support is an important factor in raising children, the suite offers a comfortable and independent living space for their parents—allowing them to be close while still maintaining privacy.

By investing in this renovation, the couple transformed their home into a space that meets both their immediate and future needs—blending modern design, practicality, and multi-generational living, all while remaining in the city they love.

Architrix Design Studio

Completed Projects
Smithwood Builders
info@smithwood.ca
604.789.2359
1907 Rockcliff Road
North Vancouver, BC
BuiltGreen BuiltGreen Havan Homebuilders Association Vancouver Leed AP BD+C Canadian Home Builders' Association British Columbia Certified Aging-In-Place Specialist Project Management Institute Netzero Home