Family room has slider access to the back deck that is perfect for summer barbecues. Photos By: Jeff Christie.
Trendy family room photo in Vancouver

The property was to be a final home so the brief needed to future proof for the requirements of the couple as they got older, to accommodate this several features were included, such as, a domestic lift, laundry chute, plenty of natural daylight and spacious airy rooms that would be easily accessible for limited mobility if necessary. The property, a coach house located in the curtilage of an 18th Century Grade II* Manor House, demanded careful consideration to preserve the character whilst still fulfilling the clients brief of bringing the building up to date and increasing the living space with a contemporary extension. Working closely with Cotswold District Council a scheme was developed which addressed all issues and reversed some previous unauthorised and unsympathetic conversion works. The historic stable block was sympathetically renovated in the original style to retain the character. Cotswold stone roof tiles were sourced to match the existing and installed in diminishing courses to repair the dilapidated roof. The contemporary extension was kept at single storey to avoid detracting from the existing building and was constructed in Ashlar Cotswold stone sourced from the same quarry that was, most likely, the source for the original building. The copper roof allows a shallow pitch and is a natural material which weathers attractively, with a long lifespan and low maintenance. To clearly differentiate between the old and the new a frameless glass link was used allowing the shape and form of original coach house to be easily distinguished. The project worked particularly well with a truly collaborative ethos between architect, client and contractor resulting in a stunning house, and more importantly, an outstanding ‘forever’ home. We would like to leave you with the words of our client: “ when I received a phone call from Mark [asking] would I be prepared to provide a short testimonial I was able to say without hesitation that I would be delighted. Our project was to turn a Curtilage Listed Coach House into a super home without destroying evidence of its origins. We had never previously used RRA and we were needing an architect with flair, ‘can do attitude ‘ and an ability to work with the Conservation Officer and our builder on a project that was to last for 11 months. Their team were a joy to work with and the result has been admired by so many visitors and loved by us every moment of every day. Thank you all.”

Dining room has room for a good sized table & chairs & has slider access to the back deck, making entertaining easy. Photos By: Jeff Christie.
Example of a trendy dining room design in Vancouver

The property was to be a final home so the brief needed to future proof for the requirements of the couple as they got older, to accommodate this several features were included, such as, a domestic lift, laundry chute, plenty of natural daylight and spacious airy rooms that would be easily accessible for limited mobility if necessary. The property, a coach house located in the curtilage of an 18th Century Grade II* Manor House, demanded careful consideration to preserve the character whilst still fulfilling the clients brief of bringing the building up to date and increasing the living space with a contemporary extension. Working closely with Cotswold District Council a scheme was developed which addressed all issues and reversed some previous unauthorised and unsympathetic conversion works. The historic stable block was sympathetically renovated in the original style to retain the character. Cotswold stone roof tiles were sourced to match the existing and installed in diminishing courses to repair the dilapidated roof. The contemporary extension was kept at single storey to avoid detracting from the existing building and was constructed in Ashlar Cotswold stone sourced from the same quarry that was, most likely, the source for the original building. The copper roof allows a shallow pitch and is a natural material which weathers attractively, with a long lifespan and low maintenance. To clearly differentiate between the old and the new a frameless glass link was used allowing the shape and form of original coach house to be easily distinguished. The project worked particularly well with a truly collaborative ethos between architect, client and contractor resulting in a stunning house, and more importantly, an outstanding ‘forever’ home. We would like to leave you with the words of our client: “ when I received a phone call from Mark [asking] would I be prepared to provide a short testimonial I was able to say without hesitation that I would be delighted. Our project was to turn a Curtilage Listed Coach House into a super home without destroying evidence of its origins. We had never previously used RRA and we were needing an architect with flair, ‘can do attitude ‘ and an ability to work with the Conservation Officer and our builder on a project that was to last for 11 months. Their team were a joy to work with and the result has been admired by so many visitors and loved by us every moment of every day. Thank you all.”

The property was to be a final home so the brief needed to future proof for the requirements of the couple as they got older, to accommodate this several features were included, such as, a domestic lift, laundry chute, plenty of natural daylight and spacious airy rooms that would be easily accessible for limited mobility if necessary. The property, a coach house located in the curtilage of an 18th Century Grade II* Manor House, demanded careful consideration to preserve the character whilst still fulfilling the clients brief of bringing the building up to date and increasing the living space with a contemporary extension. Working closely with Cotswold District Council a scheme was developed which addressed all issues and reversed some previous unauthorised and unsympathetic conversion works. The historic stable block was sympathetically renovated in the original style to retain the character. Cotswold stone roof tiles were sourced to match the existing and installed in diminishing courses to repair the dilapidated roof. The contemporary extension was kept at single storey to avoid detracting from the existing building and was constructed in Ashlar Cotswold stone sourced from the same quarry that was, most likely, the source for the original building. The copper roof allows a shallow pitch and is a natural material which weathers attractively, with a long lifespan and low maintenance. To clearly differentiate between the old and the new a frameless glass link was used allowing the shape and form of original coach house to be easily distinguished. The project worked particularly well with a truly collaborative ethos between architect, client and contractor resulting in a stunning house, and more importantly, an outstanding ‘forever’ home. We would like to leave you with the words of our client: “ when I received a phone call from Mark [asking] would I be prepared to provide a short testimonial I was able to say without hesitation that I would be delighted. Our project was to turn a Curtilage Listed Coach House into a super home without destroying evidence of its origins. We had never previously used RRA and we were needing an architect with flair, ‘can do attitude ‘ and an ability to work with the Conservation Officer and our builder on a project that was to last for 11 months. Their team were a joy to work with and the result has been admired by so many visitors and loved by us every moment of every day. Thank you all.”

The property was to be a final home so the brief needed to future proof for the requirements of the couple as they got older, to accommodate this several features were included, such as, a domestic lift, laundry chute, plenty of natural daylight and spacious airy rooms that would be easily accessible for limited mobility if necessary. The property, a coach house located in the curtilage of an 18th Century Grade II* Manor House, demanded careful consideration to preserve the character whilst still fulfilling the clients brief of bringing the building up to date and increasing the living space with a contemporary extension. Working closely with Cotswold District Council a scheme was developed which addressed all issues and reversed some previous unauthorised and unsympathetic conversion works. The historic stable block was sympathetically renovated in the original style to retain the character. Cotswold stone roof tiles were sourced to match the existing and installed in diminishing courses to repair the dilapidated roof. The contemporary extension was kept at single storey to avoid detracting from the existing building and was constructed in Ashlar Cotswold stone sourced from the same quarry that was, most likely, the source for the original building. The copper roof allows a shallow pitch and is a natural material which weathers attractively, with a long lifespan and low maintenance. To clearly differentiate between the old and the new a frameless glass link was used allowing the shape and form of original coach house to be easily distinguished. The project worked particularly well with a truly collaborative ethos between architect, client and contractor resulting in a stunning house, and more importantly, an outstanding ‘forever’ home. We would like to leave you with the words of our client: “ when I received a phone call from Mark [asking] would I be prepared to provide a short testimonial I was able to say without hesitation that I would be delighted. Our project was to turn a Curtilage Listed Coach House into a super home without destroying evidence of its origins. We had never previously used RRA and we were needing an architect with flair, ‘can do attitude ‘ and an ability to work with the Conservation Officer and our builder on a project that was to last for 11 months. Their team were a joy to work with and the result has been admired by so many visitors and loved by us every moment of every day. Thank you all.”

The property was to be a final home so the brief needed to future proof for the requirements of the couple as they got older, to accommodate this several features were included, such as, a domestic lift, laundry chute, plenty of natural daylight and spacious airy rooms that would be easily accessible for limited mobility if necessary. The property, a coach house located in the curtilage of an 18th Century Grade II* Manor House, demanded careful consideration to preserve the character whilst still fulfilling the clients brief of bringing the building up to date and increasing the living space with a contemporary extension. Working closely with Cotswold District Council a scheme was developed which addressed all issues and reversed some previous unauthorised and unsympathetic conversion works. The historic stable block was sympathetically renovated in the original style to retain the character. Cotswold stone roof tiles were sourced to match the existing and installed in diminishing courses to repair the dilapidated roof. The contemporary extension was kept at single storey to avoid detracting from the existing building and was constructed in Ashlar Cotswold stone sourced from the same quarry that was, most likely, the source for the original building. The copper roof allows a shallow pitch and is a natural material which weathers attractively, with a long lifespan and low maintenance. To clearly differentiate between the old and the new a frameless glass link was used allowing the shape and form of original coach house to be easily distinguished. The project worked particularly well with a truly collaborative ethos between architect, client and contractor resulting in a stunning house, and more importantly, an outstanding ‘forever’ home. We would like to leave you with the words of our client: “ when I received a phone call from Mark [asking] would I be prepared to provide a short testimonial I was able to say without hesitation that I would be delighted. Our project was to turn a Curtilage Listed Coach House into a super home without destroying evidence of its origins. We had never previously used RRA and we were needing an architect with flair, ‘can do attitude ‘ and an ability to work with the Conservation Officer and our builder on a project that was to last for 11 months. Their team were a joy to work with and the result has been admired by so many visitors and loved by us every moment of every day. Thank you all.”

The property was to be a final home so the brief needed to future proof for the requirements of the couple as they got older, to accommodate this several features were included, such as, a domestic lift, laundry chute, plenty of natural daylight and spacious airy rooms that would be easily accessible for limited mobility if necessary. The property, a coach house located in the curtilage of an 18th Century Grade II* Manor House, demanded careful consideration to preserve the character whilst still fulfilling the clients brief of bringing the building up to date and increasing the living space with a contemporary extension. Working closely with Cotswold District Council a scheme was developed which addressed all issues and reversed some previous unauthorised and unsympathetic conversion works. The historic stable block was sympathetically renovated in the original style to retain the character. Cotswold stone roof tiles were sourced to match the existing and installed in diminishing courses to repair the dilapidated roof. The contemporary extension was kept at single storey to avoid detracting from the existing building and was constructed in Ashlar Cotswold stone sourced from the same quarry that was, most likely, the source for the original building. The copper roof allows a shallow pitch and is a natural material which weathers attractively, with a long lifespan and low maintenance. To clearly differentiate between the old and the new a frameless glass link was used allowing the shape and form of original coach house to be easily distinguished. The project worked particularly well with a truly collaborative ethos between architect, client and contractor resulting in a stunning house, and more importantly, an outstanding ‘forever’ home. We would like to leave you with the words of our client: “ when I received a phone call from Mark [asking] would I be prepared to provide a short testimonial I was able to say without hesitation that I would be delighted. Our project was to turn a Curtilage Listed Coach House into a super home without destroying evidence of its origins. We had never previously used RRA and we were needing an architect with flair, ‘can do attitude ‘ and an ability to work with the Conservation Officer and our builder on a project that was to last for 11 months. Their team were a joy to work with and the result has been admired by so many visitors and loved by us every moment of every day. Thank you all.”

The property was to be a final home so the brief needed to future proof for the requirements of the couple as they got older, to accommodate this several features were included, such as, a domestic lift, laundry chute, plenty of natural daylight and spacious airy rooms that would be easily accessible for limited mobility if necessary. The property, a coach house located in the curtilage of an 18th Century Grade II* Manor House, demanded careful consideration to preserve the character whilst still fulfilling the clients brief of bringing the building up to date and increasing the living space with a contemporary extension. Working closely with Cotswold District Council a scheme was developed which addressed all issues and reversed some previous unauthorised and unsympathetic conversion works. The historic stable block was sympathetically renovated in the original style to retain the character. Cotswold stone roof tiles were sourced to match the existing and installed in diminishing courses to repair the dilapidated roof. The contemporary extension was kept at single storey to avoid detracting from the existing building and was constructed in Ashlar Cotswold stone sourced from the same quarry that was, most likely, the source for the original building. The copper roof allows a shallow pitch and is a natural material which weathers attractively, with a long lifespan and low maintenance. To clearly differentiate between the old and the new a frameless glass link was used allowing the shape and form of original coach house to be easily distinguished. The project worked particularly well with a truly collaborative ethos between architect, client and contractor resulting in a stunning house, and more importantly, an outstanding ‘forever’ home. We would like to leave you with the words of our client: “ when I received a phone call from Mark [asking] would I be prepared to provide a short testimonial I was able to say without hesitation that I would be delighted. Our project was to turn a Curtilage Listed Coach House into a super home without destroying evidence of its origins. We had never previously used RRA and we were needing an architect with flair, ‘can do attitude ‘ and an ability to work with the Conservation Officer and our builder on a project that was to last for 11 months. Their team were a joy to work with and the result has been admired by so many visitors and loved by us every moment of every day. Thank you all.”

IKEA kitchen marvel: Professional consultants, Dave & Karen like to entertain and truly maximized the practical with the aesthetically fun in this kitchen remodel of their Fairview condo in Vancouver B.C. With a budget of about $55,000 and 120 square feet, working with their contractor, Alair Homes, they took their time to thoughtfully design and focus their money where it would pay off in the reno. Karen wanted ample wine storage and Dave wanted a considerable liquor case. The result? A 3 foot deep custom pullout red wine rack that holds 40 bottles of red, nicely tucked in beside a white wine fridge that also holds another 40 bottles of white. They sourced a 140-year-old wrought iron gate that fit the wall space, and re-purposed it as a functional art piece to frame a custom 30 bottle whiskey shelf. Durability and value were themes throughout the project. Bamboo laminated counter tops that wrap the entire kitchen and finish in a waterfall end are beautiful and sustainable. Contrasting with the dark reclaimed, hand hewn, wide plank wood floor and homestead enamel sink, its a wonderful blend of old and new. Nice appliance features include the European style Liebherr integrated fridge and instant hot water tap. The original kitchen had Ikea cabinets and the owners wanted to keep the sleek styling and re-use the existing cabinets. They spent some time on Houzz and made their own idea book. Confident with good ideas, they set out to purchase additional Ikea cabinet pieces to create the new vision. Walls were moved and structural posts created to accommodate the new configuration. One area that was a challenge was at the end of the U shaped kitchen. There are stairs going to the loft and roof top deck (amazing views of downtown Vancouver!), and the stairs cut an angle through the cupboard area and created a void underneath them. Ideas like a cabinet man size door to a hidden room were contemplated, but in the end a unifying idea and space creator was decided on. Put in a custom appliance garage on rollers that is 3 feet deep and rolls into the void under the stairs, and is large enough to hide everything! And under the counter is room for the famous wine rack and cooler. The result is a chic space that is comfy and inviting and keeps the urban flair the couple loves. http://www.alairhomes.com/vancouver ©Ema Peter

Killian O'Sullivan
Study room - contemporary built-in desk painted wood floor and white floor study room idea in London with white walls and no fireplace