East Van, Elevated – house lift for ultimate entertaining living

THE OBJECTIVE

This character home needed significant updates to improve efficiencies and fix leaks, but with a family that loves entertaining, this original main floor reno, soon evolved to a project with extensive changes on all three levels to address needs and wants, as well as incorporating energy efficiency features.

HOW IT WAS ACHIEVED

A house lift increased the ceiling height in the basement from 7 feet to 9 feet, resulting in better functionality with a spacious family room, 2 bedrooms, a bathroom, laundry and mechanical room.

ICF-foundation replaced the old fieldstone/mortar foundation that failed while the roof line stayed the same, keeping the slope (steeper pitch).

Homeowners prefer minimalist ‘Scandi’ style, with Edwardian-influences as seen with details in oil-rubbed-bronze finishes.

Very little of the original main floor remains, with the new design extending the floor down the length of the back garden, giving the homeowners a large extendable living and entertaining space outside the kitchen, accessible through folding NanaWall doors and windows across the entire wall of the room.

The stairs orientation at front-door was rotated 90-degrees to completely open entry foyer and add the basement stairway.

The upper floor now has larger bedrooms with openable skylights, main bathroom, and attic space containing additional storage. Dormer added on west-side brings in natural light and airiness.

The outdoor space is useable throughout the year with covered and uncovered areas, as well as space for parking whilst the design was in keeping with the neighbourhood.

Working closely with the homeowners, TQ was able to achieve a big goal – a custom-built beer bar, including space for brewing, serving, and drinking!