Tucked quietly into a Vancouver streetscape, this infill home by D’Arcy Jones Architects reveals itself slowly. From the street, it is wrapped in dark shingles, a restrained exterior that allows the house to sit comfortably between two very different neighbors. To one side stands an original early 1900s home with deep personal history for the client. To the other is a 1980s take on a traditional house. The new build sits between them, modern but careful, asymmetrical yet balanced, designed to relate rather than compete.
The garage is sunken and visually suppressed, keeping the focus on the living spaces above and allowing the house to feel grounded into its sloped site. A narrow path runs alongside a line of trees that create a natural barrier between the pedestrian entry and the sloped driveway.
Inside, the house opens up at the rear where the kitchen and dining room form a bright, open plan space. Simple concrete floors run underfoot, grounding the room with a practical, almost rustic feel that reflects the architects’ choice to work with standard trim boards in unexpected ways.
In the dining area, darker furniture contrasts with the crisp white walls, creating a sense of depth without overwhelming the space. A shelving unit filled with colorful books adds personality and texture, hinting at the life unfolding inside the home rather than presenting a polished showpiece.
A large sliding glass door connects the dining room directly to the backyard. When opened, the interior spills out onto a simple deck and lawn, both surrounded by trees that reinforce the home’s connection to nature.
The kitchen continues this dialogue with the outdoors. A wood island brings warmth and natural texture into the space, while white countertops and minimalist hardware allow the cabinetry to recede into the walls. By blending the storage seamlessly into the architecture, the kitchen remains visually calm and uncluttered, even as it serves as a central hub of the home.
A staircase leads to the second floor, where daylight filters down from above through a skylight. The stairwell becomes more than a circulation space, anchored by a piece of driftwood artwork that acts as a quiet focal point. Natural light and simple finishes give the area an airy quality that carries through the upper level.
Upstairs, the bedrooms are arranged to take advantage of light and views. In the teen’s bedroom, a bay window extends outward, creating a cozy window seat that overlooks the neighborhood.
In the bathroom, large windows look out toward the surrounding trees, bringing in daylight while maintaining a sense of privacy. A built-in bathtub is wrapped in white square tiles and sits beside a glass enclosed shower.
D’Arcy Jones Architects has created a home that balances modern form with familiar materials and careful detailing.