Kitsilano Residence

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• Winner of 2014 Fine Homebuilding Home of The Year
• Winner of Ovation Award Home of The Year
• Winner of Built Green Home of The Year

The Kitsilano Residence is one of the most recognizable architecturally designed homes in Kitsilano. Set on a small tricky lot (40’x80’) at the busy corner of 10th and Balaclava, the JWT Architect sited and gained approvals for both a single family residence and a laneway home.

The client’s desire's were for a multi-functional open concept home and environmentally friendly. This home boasts numerous green features and innovations options used throughout the design process to achieve a Built Green Platinum rated home.

Every detail in this project is custom tailored to the empty nester couple. The kitchen includes a variety of countertop heights and surfaces to facilitate their cooking and cuisine requirements. 12’ ceilings and a feature stairway give this 1,600sf home a big feel. The open concept features shared space for office and an art studio.

This project has won numerous accolades including the Greater Vancouver Builders Association Home of the year, the Built Green BC Home of the Year, a Georgie Award, and Fine Homebuilding Magazine’s Home of the Year. 

Sourcing environmentally healthy materials that fit design and budget restrictions.

• This family home is passively heated through cross and stack ventilation with a central fin wall providing thermal mass for daytime cooling. 
• The large south-east facing window acts as a solar collector assisting heating 

.Green features include;

• Open cell foam insulation in wall and roof structures increases thermal performance and noise reduction.
• Reclaimed fir flooring and Plyboo cabinets.
• Insulation and staggered stud framing techniques to achieve thermal breaks
• On demand hot water and radiant heating.
• Metal cladding and roofing with partially recycled content increases durability and lowers maintenance.
• Low VOC paints, adhesives and plywoods.
• Recycling program diverted majority of waste from landfill.
• Native plants and water-smart perennials and ornamental grasses
• Unique rain harvest collection system

The landscape occupies both the boulevards as well as the home owner’s lot and sets a new standard for sustainability. Fine Home Building has a delightful video featuring more on this home, making this project a true trend setter.

Worthy to note: This was one project where James was not afraid to get his hands dirty. James oversaw the purchase, delivery and the installation of all the plant material, allowing the home owners and their children to plant their own landscape!