The client wanted a European-influenced, high-quality house with a spare bedroom for grandchildren. 

The challenge was to design the infill house on an 18-ft. wide lot in a crowded residential neighbourhood.

Extensive use of daylight, plenty of built-ins and a cantilevered bay window finished in Hardiplank and battens turn the difficulties of the site into advantages. Space is maximized through the creation of numerous intimate spaces.  The garage is incorporated into the structure. The lack of symmetry in such a small-scale design and the eclectic use of materials create a sense of excitement.

The steeply pitched shingle roof over the living room is clerestory with two skylights on each side of the pitch. A window-wall follows the pitch of the roof, as high as it could be taken. Over the en-suite master bedroom, the roof is flat. The house was planned around several old trees, which shade the south-facing windows in the summertime.

Clients are Spanish-born Gloria and Pablo Hernandez, who own one of Victoria’s most respected restaurants.