Transforming Point Grey

Written by Ken Shallcross at Modern Architecture + Design Society

The “Point Grey” project is Madeleine Design Group’s most recently finished work of art.  This gorgeous older home was completely updated throughout with an ultra-modern design and aesthetic.

Framing was already underway when Madeleine Design Group was brought into the project, referred to the client by builder Rain City Homes, and asked to make changes in the architectural layout that would help open the interior spaces.  KASA Design supplied the new drawings and plans once changes were agreed upon. 

The client wanted an extremely modern design brought into their older home that was full of family history.  They did not want a minimalist design, per se, but needed clean, contemporary lines, a bright and open atmosphere, and lots of windows to showcase the view.  The challenge for Madeleine and her team was helping the client visualize the desired ultra-modern aesthetic incorporated into the older, existing home. Once the client was able to envision the modern design, a connection was made and pieces started to fall into place, helping the client ‘see’ a final result during the build phase.

A new, gorgeous living space greets all who enter the front door. The living room, dining area and kitchen all share the open floor plan, connected but well defined in their own spaces.  Beautiful oak floors run throughout the home and a raised second floor gives the ceiling new height and makes this space feel enormous.  A combination of floor-to-ceiling and oversized windows bring in immense amounts of light from all sides. 

In the kitchen, Madeleine reworked the entire floor plan, making it more functional for the adjoining living room.  The centerpiece is a kitchen island with a black (Eternal Marquina) silestone waterfall countertop and integrated PITT cooktop.

The refrigerator, freezer, and dishwasher are all paneled in white to match the surrounding cabinetry and back-wall countertops, providing that ultra-modern look; the microwave is embedded into the island and out of view from guests.  All appliances supplied by Midland Appliances in Vancouver.

Rift sawn oak is found in three places to bring splashes of color and tie the kitchen together: a set of cabinets near the windows, the ceiling drop over the island (which also houses the cooktop vent), and behind the kitchen island at the legs of the three informal dining chairs. 

Giant windows above the sink bring in tons of light while cooking, and sliding glass doors open to a back patio, perfect for quiet evening meals or a cup of coffee in the morning.

In the living room area, a new Slayton gas fireplace has been installed, encased in a beautiful marble slab.  Sliding glass doors open to a front porch, which – when left open on a nice day – help extend the living space to the outdoors.

The entire home underwent transformation in every room.  A new home office has built-in storage (stained oak) and a desktop made of the Eternal Marquina silestone.  And downstairs in the basement, the clients now enjoy a comfortable home theatre with reclining theatre seats, and a powder room that has been turned into an elegant, modern washroom with a gorgeous stone tile accent wall and large circular mirror.

The home’s main staircase has also been rebuilt.  The treads are a lighter-stained, white oak and a glass/metal railing system helps the tall windows bring tons of light into the stairway.

Upstairs, the master bedroom’s ceiling has been vaulted and stained oak soffits run through the floor-to-ceiling windowed wall to the outside.  The view is absolutely spectacular with the opened design.

The master en suite has been completely moved and is now an oasis for relaxing, equipped with a double vanity, towel warmers, large soaking tub, and shower lined with walls of Eternal Marquina marble.

The final touch to the new, modern home is the relaxing roof deck.  The client was adamant about this feature and for good reason – it offers an absolutely stunning view of the bay and a personal space for often-needed peace and quiet.

The “Point Grey” project is a fantastic example of how an older home with lots of family history can be transformed into a new, stunning, modern home with warmth and character.  It is also a testament to the professional and personal relationship between a designer (Madeleine Design Group) and a client that turns a dream and a vision into a reality.  Each room in this home is different, but there is a story that goes through the entire project, giving the client a new chapter in their family home.