East Van, Elevated – house lift for ultimate entertaining living

East Van, Elevated – house lift for ultimate entertaining living

This main floor renovation of a 1912 home, was upgraded into a full property transformation

(including an entire house lift and foundation replacement), converting this character heritage home into a functional family residence with tons of space, light and an incredible outdoor area.

Location
Vancouver, BC

SCOPE
Whole house

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!

KEY FEATURES

A full house lift and foundation replacement increased liveable space and longevity of the home. The level indoor/outdoor space created incredible entertaining areas for the family, as well as the inclusion of a purpose-built beer bar for added entertainment value!

Inclusion of key features to increase the energy efficiency of the home will result in savings and reduce environmental impact, and larger rooms, more bathrooms and added living space creates a family home for generations to come.

  • Energy-efficient windows/doors
  • New plumbing and electrical and heat pump installed
  • Ducted Mini-Split System (One zone Primary-bedroom, one in Basement), HRV
  • Lots of automation, including Lutron Ketra-Bulb lights throughout - adjusts automatically throughout day
  • New Hardie shakes bring back original character (was red stucco)
  • Ledgestone cladding replaces original Fieldstone
  • Engineered hardwood throughout main, vinyl-plank - basement, tiled bathrooms
  • Painted maple shaker-style cabinets, ¾-inch birch plywood boxes
  • Cambria, eased edge countertops
  • Ornamental/decorative hexagonal shapes
  • Kitchen doubled in size with reimagined space and appliance garage
  • NanaWall doors opens the home to seamless indoor-outdoor interaction
  • Walnut used for Butcher block island top, open shelving
  • Home-office / den boasts coffered-ceiling
  • Beer bar created, shelving and sink installed, with space to professionally brew beer
  • Upper level’s deep free-standing soaker tub has seamless panel and support frame, with two backrest slopes
  • Deck’s roof structure follows lines of main house roof
  • LED lights routered into bottom of railing
  • Hanging pendant on deck adds light, looks great!
  • Infrared heaters discreetly placed on deck level for added comfort
  • Low maintenance, durable composite Trex decking
  • Illusion garage (door but no side walls) created at back of home
  • EV charger discreetly positioned on one side of carport
  • Outdoor kitchen in far corner, has sink, countertop, storage - perfect for party time!