When a steeply sloping oceanfront site offers spectacular views but minimal buildable area, strategic design becomes essential. This single-level residence negotiates a triangular lot constrained by setbacks and topography, positioning living spaces to capture unobstructed panoramas across the Gulf Islands and San Juan Islands while working within the site’s geometric limitations.
This project demonstrates how architect-designed homes extract maximum value from challenging coastal properties—turning steep grades, irregular geometry, and exposure into assets rather than obstacles. For clients seeking waterfront sites throughout Greater Victoria and coastal British Columbia, thoughtful design unlocks potential that conventional builders simply walk away from.
The low-profile form hugs the slope, minimizing excavation and foundation costs while maximizing ceiling volume where it matters. A butterfly roofline channels rainwater and frames views upward toward the sky, while deep overhangs protect glazed walls from coastal weather. White vertical battens modulate western sun exposure and provide privacy without sacrificing transparency, creating a layered threshold between interior and landscape.
Material choices reflect coastal realities: durable concrete foundation walls anchor the structure to bedrock, while painted wood screens and metal roofing resist salt air and require minimal maintenance. Floor-to-ceiling glass dissolves boundaries between living spaces and seascape, transforming site constraints into architectural opportunity.
Coast+Beam is an award-winning architecture studio based on Vancouver Island focussed exclusively on West Coast Modern homes and cabins.
