Nestled at the base of Cypress Mountain in West Vancouver, Canada, the Westport Place House represents a masterful revival of a 1961 mid-century modern gem. Originally crafted by architect Peter Kaffka, this home has been thoughtfully renovated by the office of mcfarlane biggar architects + designers (omb). Owners Michelle and Matthew Wilson collaborated closely with omb to retain the home’s West Coast essence while updating its interiors, infrastructure, and energy efficiency.
Preserving Character and Enhancing Functionality
Significant original features such as the post-and-beam ceiling, grand double front doors, and brick fireplaces were meticulously retained. New materials like white oak, terracotta tiles, wood paneling, limestone, and terrazzo seamlessly blend with these historic elements, complemented by warm, inviting lighting.
Living Room: Seamless Connection with Nature
The open-plan living and dining areas offer panoramic views of surrounding trees and ocean. Michelle emphasizes the natural beauty visible from every angle. New energy-efficient windows ensure abundant natural light, while the refurbished original fireplace enhances coziness, now restored to its wood-burning glory. The kitchen flows into this space with an oversized island for casual meals. A new sliding glass door extends the living area onto an enlarged deck.
Crafting a Deck Amidst the Trees
The expansive deck feels like a continuation of the house. Its cantilevered form integrates the interior with the forest, offering a serene retreat to enjoy the scenic surroundings. The glass opening blurs the lines between indoors and outdoors, ensuring ample light throughout the year.
The Heart of the Home: A Revitalized Kitchen
The kitchen’s redesign revolves around family gatherings and culinary delight. An underused corner transformed into a breakfast bar, while sleek, hardware-free cabinetry maintains an elegant simplicity. Hidden behind white oak cabinetry, a converted nook houses a pantry and coffee station, offering discreet yet ample storage.
Reviving Mid-Century Aesthetics
Mid-century influences are celebrated in the hallway through natural wood paneling and terracotta tiles, with the original post-and-beam ceiling taking center stage. Painted brick walls enhance natural brightness, blending legacy with contemporary finishes in harmony with the home’s origins.
Innovative Workspaces and Practical Additions
With professional lives to balance, a bedroom was converted into a shared home office, thoughtfully integrated with the north wing’s mudroom, powder room, and principal bedroom. A new powder room on the main floor offers functionality with its sleek limestone counter and minimalist aesthetic.
If you appreciate historic architecture, you’ll enjoy Cuban architecture in the late 1990s for its visual storytelling and cultural insights.
A Tranquil Principal Suite
The principal bedroom and ensuite have been expanded, offering a peaceful retreat enveloped by the forest. The ensuite shares the updated north wing’s thoughtful design, enhancing family living functionality.
Redefining Transitional Spaces
A new staircase replaces the outdated spiral one, enhancing movement between floors. Wrapped in white oak, it adds elegance and continuity, transforming a previously neglected space.
Bright and Airy Lower Level
Enlarged windows on the lower level flood the family room with natural light, with built-in shelving and storage benches adding utility. The forest views offer a dreamy connection to nature.
A Fun and Practical Children’s Area
The children’s bedrooms have been enlarged, shared with a playful terrazzo-floored bathroom that balances whimsy with durability.
Sauna and Guest Suite Luxuries
A cedar-clad sauna offers a cozy retreat after mountain hikes, while an upgraded guest suite provides comfort with its fireplace and woody backdrop.
Westport Place House expertly demonstrates how mid-century charm and modern needs can unite, preserving the character of Peter Kaffka’s architectural vision while ushering in an era of renewed vibrancy.
Photography by Janis Nicolay | Drawings: omb | Architecture + Interior Design: office of mcfarlane biggar architects + designers (omb) | Principals-in-Charge: Steve McFarlane, Michelle Biggar | Team: Steve McFarlane, Michelle Biggar, Josie Grant, Heather Maxwell, Tanit Mora Cots
Source: contemporist.com
Frequently asked questions
How does the Westport Place House integrate with nature?
The Westport Place House offers panoramic views of surrounding trees and ocean through open-plan living and dining areas. The cantilevered deck integrates the interior with the forest, offering a serene retreat amidst the scenic surroundings. Enlarged windows on the lower level and glass openings ensure ample natural light throughout the year.
What features were retained in the home’s renovation?
The renovation meticulously retained significant original features such as the post-and-beam ceiling, grand double front doors, and brick fireplaces. These elements were blended with new materials like white oak, terracotta tiles, limestone, and terrazzo, maintaining the home’s mid-century modern charm.
What updates were made to the kitchen design?
The kitchen’s redesign focuses on family gatherings and cooking pleasure, with an oversized island for casual meals. An underused corner has been transformed into a breakfast bar, while white oak cabinetry hides a pantry and coffee station, offering discreet yet ample storage.