Modernist Coastal Residence in British Columbia
A three-level home blending mid-century aesthetics with rugged Pacific Northwest coastal topography.
1Coastal Modernist Architectural Philosophy
The residence in Victoria, British Columbia, exemplifies West Coast modernism by blurring boundaries between architecture and nature. Designed by BoForm with interiors by Bidgood, the structure adapts mid-century Californian design principles to a rugged, hillside site. This approach creates a seamless transition between the interior living spaces and the surrounding Salish Sea environment.
2Structural Layout and Topography
Spanning 400 square meters, the home is organized across three distinct levels that cascade down the hillside. Expansive glazing wraps the perimeter, ensuring the outdoors remains a focal point from every room. This vertical arrangement maximizes the panoramic views of the water while maintaining a functional flow across the primary, private, and guest levels.
3Main Floor Living Configuration
The main level serves as the primary social hub, housing the living and dining areas. It features a main kitchen alongside a secondary butler’s kitchen to support entertaining. A powder room and the garage are also integrated into this floor, providing a cohesive layout that prioritizes accessibility and open-concept living for the residents.
4Private Quarters and Office
Descending to the middle level reveals the home's private sanctuary. This floor contains the primary bedroom suite, complete with a walk-in closet, and a guest bedroom with an ensuite bathroom. A dedicated home office and an additional powder room are situated here, offering a quiet, secluded environment separate from the main social areas.
5Wellness and Guest Amenities
The lowest level is specifically designed for guests and personal wellness. It includes two additional guest rooms, a private gym, and a full bathroom, alongside necessary mechanical space. This level opens directly onto a terrace featuring an outdoor kitchen, a hot tub, and a lounge area, extending the living space into the landscape.
6Materiality and Interior Texture
The interior design utilizes a palette of terrazzo, stone, and wood to complement the blond brickwork. These materials extend to benches along the windows and the fireplace, creating a tactile, earthy atmosphere. Kyla Bidgood emphasized that the firm focused on refining these elements to ensure a cohesive, intentional flow from the exterior inward.
7Expressive Design Moments
While the general living areas maintain a cohesive, neutral tone, the washrooms and millwork serve as focal points for creative expression. The design team utilized bolder surfaces and more vivid color palettes in these specific areas. This contrast highlights the firm's ability to balance architectural restraint with intentional, localized visual impact throughout.
8Client Vision and Integration
The owners, originally from Quebec, requested a home defined by warmth, earthiness, and a strong sense of place. Bidgood successfully crafted an expansive yet homey environment that accommodates the owners' impressive art collection. This final layer of personalization completes the residence, anchoring the modernist structure within the owners' specific aesthetic and lifestyle preferences.