Yacht haven
This new residence, currently under construction, was designed for a family of six wanting a vacation home with enhanced energy efficiency and maximum flexibility for their current and future needs. Emphasis was placed on communal spaces versus private spaces.
The site is a ¾ acre shoreline lot close to English Camp, with stunning views to the west of D’Arcy and Vancouver Islands. The owners wanted a home that would work now for their family, as well as in the future, when they become empty nesters. Toward that end, a 2,100 square foot, 3-bedroom house was designed along with a 1,500 square foot garage with bunk room above. The bunk room serves as a family gathering space for watching movies, as well as quarters for four guests. In addition to a large living area, it includes built-in bunk beds, kitchenette and full bathroom.
Inside the residence, a 2-story Great Room with views of the water provides generous communal space, while three modestly-sized bedrooms feature built-in cabinetry to maximize space. A open-riser steel-and-timber tread stair connects the two levels.
The Great Room features a generous kitchen with custom-stained cabinetry and quartz countertops. A three-sided fireplace is visible from the kitchen, dining and living areas. Above, a tongue-and-groove wood ceiling provides the warm, cozy feel of a beach cabin.
On the second level, two bedrooms share a large bathroom, directly accessible from each room. At the top of the stair, a built-in reading nook provides an additional twin bed for guests.
On the exterior, materials were selected for their beauty, sustainability and long-term wear. Siding includes ‘shou sugi ban’ charred cedar lap siding and corrugated metal panels both of which provide a maintenance-free, fireproof exterior. A standing seam metal roof was chosen for its long life and to provide a foundation for future photovoltaic panels. Windows were selected for their durable fiberglass exteriors and low U-values (0.23).
The high-performance building envelope includes a rain screen, rock wool exterior insulation and blow-in batt insulation between the studs, for an overall wall R-rating of R-31. The roof is framed with 14” engineered rafters, for a rating of R-58. Additional energy-saving features include: enhanced air sealing, heat recovery ventilation, electric heat pump hot water heater, heat pump clothes dryer, ductless mini-split heat pump in the bunk room, Energy Star appliances, an electric car charging station in the garage and LED lighting throughout.
