Mcleod Bovell Modern Houses in collaboration with Artwork Homes has designed this spectacular cliffside house located on a two-thirds-acre property in West Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. This fascinating minimalist dwelling is perched on a granite rock that rises 40 meters above the shoreline below.

This location is a geographical “half-way” point for a dispersed family who are intermittently working and living on multiple continents. The home accommodates diverse living arrangements while connecting to the site’s abundant natural character. It is an expression of the client’s desire to create a gathering place for current and future generations while still being able to accommodate a smaller family unit.

The house takes its cues from distinct and divergent topographical features: views and light to the southwest and the extreme contours that drop to the Salish Sea to the west.

The house pivots around these two axes resulting in a shifting spatial geometry at the intersection of the main and upper floors which appears as a void in the middle of the site.

Above: Board-formed concrete and cladding sourced from Swisspearl Group makes for a bold entry into this striking seafront house.

Above: The exterior facade features Swisspearl – Fiber Cement Colorline – Carat. This fiber-cement cladding may cost more than locally sourced softwoods that are typically used to clad homes in the region, yet it is a much more durable material and mostly maintenance-free.

Organizationally, the upper floor supports intimacy for a small family sleeping within a tight core while still being able to accommodate larger family units in outer lying “wings”. These two areas of the building are separated but connected externally by a shared outdoor terrace.

A circulation spine that runs parallel to this void is located in the center of the house to take advantage of the balanced light and vertical views that are made possible by the sectional cut. The main floor living spaces are connected to the ground floor by outdoor and auxiliary spaces arranged along this cut.

These spaces include a painting room floating above a reflecting pond at the entrance foyer on one end, and a bamboo courtyard off the family room, office, and a tea room at the other end of the circulation spine. The courtyards allow for a deeply stacked program to get light and air without impairing either view or natural light.

The spatial experience of the house is both familiar and slightly disorienting- a result of the efforts to balance the relationship between the regular orientation of the steeply sloping ground and the off-axis orientation of the light and views to create essential, and intimate spaces at the core which have a strong connection to the outdoor environment.

Above: A custom steel fireplace enclosure suspended from a board-formed concrete hearth. A great reason to enjoy the indoors!

Above: The glazing product was sourced from Panoramah Minimalist Window – ah!38, installed by Atlas Meridian Glassworks. The sofa is by Minotti, sourced from Livingspace – Vancouver.

From its perch on a cliffside, this dwelling overlooks the mouth of British Columbia’s Howe Sound.

What We Love: This coastal house in British Columbia is absolutely amazing, from the views to the architecture, there are so many eye-catching design features. From the moment you enter this home, Feng shui principles were employed to position the staircase out of view from the door, creating a sense of calm. This feeling of calm is felt throughout the entire home, especially in the tea room with the reflecting pond just outside that makes you feel like you are floating.

Tell Us: Would this be your idea of the ultimate waterfront dream home? Let us know in the Comments below!

Note: Be sure to check out a couple of other incredible house tours that we have showcased here on One Kindesign in the province of British Columbia: Take a peak inside this beautiful oceanside home in British Columbia and A spectacular midcentury house perched on a hillside in British Columbia.

Above: A slightly sunken outdoor seating area (surrounded by pools) keeps views clear and unobstructed views of Howe Sound. The wood roofing material that shelters the patio is Accoya® Wood, an ultra high-performance sustainable wood.

Above: The appliances in this sleek and minimal kitchen are by Gaggenau.

Above: Throughout this home you will notice a combination of poured board-form concrete and rough-hewn concrete panels, a material the homeowner is drawn to.

Above: Sculptural double-height cut brings light from unexpected directions. The are two main bedrooms on the upper level and three guest bedrooms that are situated on both levels. There is also a separate two-bedroom wing with a private entrance, used for either staff or rental income. There are eight bathrooms in this home along with a powder room.

Above: Architectural concrete makes a sleek statement in this angular double-height space. Suspended from the ceiling is a custom light fixture from Bocci. This spectacular fixture is comprised of 30 pendulous light sources.

Above: Complimentary lines and materials serenely exist in this bright corridor leading to the rooftop deck.⁠

Above: Making a cut to the sky through the center of the house helps to focus light into the center of a deep space.⁠ A plate steel staircase leads up to the second level.

Above: A Zen-inspired tea room overlooks the reflecting pond and beyond to magnificent views over the bay.

Above: The fabulous outdoor living spaces feature a reflecting pond, a sunken lounge, and a sunken hot tub.

PHOTOGRAPHER Ema Peter