CCI Renovations/North Vancouver/Photos- Derek Lepper Photography. A true relic of the 60’s this 1200 square foot home was literally sinking into the landscape and lacked appeal, access and imagination. The goal of the renovation was to turn the existing space into a more open livable plan that also took advantage of underutilized exterior areas. Removing overgrown trees and vegetation, creating a new river-like walkway through a simple Japanese garden and entering onto a ground level deck area compliments the simple form of the exterior. A closed in and dark kitchen area was transformed to open into the living area and out onto the deck. It features the clean lines of slate counters, high gloss cabinets, pendant halogen lighting and gourmet appliances. The old fireplace has forced the living area down 5”. A centered high efficiency gas fireplace with plasma TV above, hidden stereo components and floating shelves maintains the open feel of the home. The master featured 2 sinks and a toilet at bedside. A reconfigured floor plan allowed for a large ensuite with separate sinks and walk-in shower and a completely new main bathroom. Floor to ceiling windows and doors continued the desire to open the space to the deck and garden. Other features included rearranging the hall and laundry to add in storage, an office space and to unify the feel of the home using laminated glass doors and moving the new high efficiency furnace into the crawl space. A small house with a big open feel, an ideal retreat offered as an alternative to condo and townhouse living.