A Vancouver Design That Blurs the Boundary Between House and Garden
Floor-to-ceiling glass creates harmony between nature and interior
1Architectural Revolution
This addition to a 1912 Shaughnessy mansion in Vancouver redefines traditional window concepts. Floor-to-ceiling glass walls dissolve boundaries between interior and garden. Designed by Evoke International Design, the project transforms rooms from enclosed boxes to seamless spaces. The design was realized based on the special request of homeowners returning from Calgary. The flush glazing creates an illusion of continuous space extending into the landscape.
2Structural Details
Special engineering solutions were developed with Linden Construction to achieve the flawless transition illusion. Sloped bluestone terraces were designed to redirect rainwater. Senior designer Mauricio Marcantonio opted for steel frames over aluminum, prioritizing slim sightlines. Though compromising thermal performance, the frames appear as lines rather than structural interruptions. Black metal frames establish visual dialogue with the neighboring historic house.
3Dialogue with History
The new addition visually connects with the historic 1912 Tudor-Gothic Revival hybrid house built by Thomas Hooper for Lieutenant Governor Eric Hamber. It offers a contemporary interpretation of the original's architectural language with divided light, dark lines and an honest grid system. Despite being thoroughly modern in details, the addition successfully establishes kinship with the heritage structure through shared design principles.
4Interior Balance
The interiors, collaboratively designed by Evoke, James McIntyre Interior Design and the homeowners, feature soft whites, warm grays, oak flooring and Calacatta counters. The neutral palette allows garden colors to shine. A sculptural white staircase integrates seamlessly into existing structure, adding expressive flair to restrained spaces. Furniture pieces by Pierre Paulin, Joe Colombo and Vladimir Kagan enhance the living area's character.
5Landscape Artistry
Tasha Sangha of Paul Sangha Creative designed the exterior spaces to be experienced through glass, executed by Fossil Landscape Construction. Mature tree canopies were preserved while pastel underplanting was added. In the South Courtyard, pleached Portuguese laurels form green walls against bluestone. Wisteria vines and Al Stinson's bronze torso complete the artistic landscape composition visible from interiors.
6Light Play
Lighting fixtures from Inverlight, Flos and Bocci cast subtle illumination across the garden, preventing glass surfaces from turning into black mirrors at night. This allows the garden to remain part of interior experience after sunset. The lighting design balances natural and artificial light, enabling the space to be experienced differently throughout 24 hours while maintaining visual connection to outdoors.
7Material Selection
Every detail features carefully chosen materials. Bluestone terraces serve both aesthetic and functional purposes while oak flooring adds natural warmth. Calacatta marble counters provide luxurious accents. Bronze sculptures and black metal frames create material diversity and depth. Each material selection was considered as part of holistic design philosophy that values both form and function equally.
8Architectural Legacy
This project exemplifies how contemporary architecture can engage in meaningful dialogue with historic fabric without erasing it. Respecting traditional Shaughnessy architecture while presenting radically modern approach, the design sets new standards for architectural preservation and innovation. By eliminating boundaries between house and garden, it offers inspirational model for future residential designs that prioritize connection with nature.