HOW WE TURNED A 3-STORY HOUSE
INTO A 5-STORY HOME.
Working closely with a structural engineer to ensure concrete underpinnings were done correctly, we dug out the basement crawl space by hand and turned it into a lower floor with 8′ ceilings, 2 bedrooms and bathroom, a staircase, and windows. We worked with the envelope engineer to make sure we didn’t have any water ingress.
We transformed an inefficient attic into a stunning new master bedroom concept, complete with a new bathroom and walk-in closet. The former bedroom became a tranquil lounge area that was raised over a foot to create a high ceiling to accommodate the kitchen and dining area directly below it.
Since there were many different types of finishes colliding at various points (beams to drywall, drywall to hardwood, tile to drywall, tile to carpet, carpet to hardwood, hardwood to tile), we carefully pre-planned all these elements in advance to make sure they came out straight and seamless.
Allowing for all-new plumbing and HVAC also required some creativity. We devised lots of hidden crawl spaces where equipment could be stored—easily accessible for servicing, but out of sight.
ARCHITECTURAL HIGHLIGHTS.
- Structurally straightened all walls and levelled all ceilings
- New flooring throughout—hardwood for shared areas and carpet for bedrooms
- Cladded all vaulted ceilings with hardwood
- All doors were changed to solid core doors with new frames
- Completely new redesigned kitchen
- All windows were changed to the updated building code (Whistler winters tend to be brutal)
- All bathrooms were reconfigured with modern tile, shower glass, fixtures, and
vanities/cabinetry - Shadow reveals throughout using aluminum reglets instead of paper beads to create a seamless look
- Floating steps leading to upper floor and another set leading to lounge and master bedroom
- Completely new lighting layout and fixtures
- All-new In-floor radiant heating
- Completely re-routed the new air conditioning and heating systems