Modern kitchen with orange cabinets, marble wall, wooden chairs, and large windows showing an outside view.

ARCHÉ

A 1978 Vancouver Special completely reimagined as a light-filled, playful family home. We changed the roofline, flipped the floor plan and added a few decidedly unexpected moves to turn an uninhabitable box into something with serious personality.

A collage of various textures and patterns, including marble, wood, cork, solid colors, and grid patterns.
A black and white photo of a two-story house with a balcony and gabled roof. The house has sliding glass doors on the balcony, outdoor chairs, and a stone facade on the lower level. The foreground features grass and bushes.

The

Challenge

Built in 1978, this boxy home had great bones and huge potential. Our clients—a sophisticated family with two young boys—wanted a vibrant, contemporary space packed with color and personality, far from a generic cookie-cutter house.

Unlocking that potential took resilience. Before construction even started, we spent over a year navigating the Board of Variance to resolve permit issues from an unpermitted past renovation and missing city records. Mid-build, COVID hit, driving material costs up by 30% and tangling supply chains.

Through constant budget recalibration and smart design edits on the fly, we protected the vision every step of the way—turning major bureaucratic and logisitical headaches into a distinct, character-filled family home.

Let's be honest: Vancouver Specials don't exactly have a reputation for being exciting.

Built in 1978, this one had all the hallmarks of the typology—boxy proportions, a low-pitched roof and a pretty uninspiring interior. But underneath it all were great bones, an unusually generous footprint and a lot of potential. Our clients saw it too.

They were a sophisticated couple with two young boys who wanted a home that felt cool and contemporary but still fun enough for a family. They didn't want something generic, overly serious or designed to look like everyone else's house. They wanted colour, personality, architectural interest and plenty of room for their kids to actually be kids.

The house itself, however, needed some convincing.

A previous renovation had been done without permits, leaving the home uninhabitable and creating a substantial amount of red tape before we could even get started. To make matters more complicated, the house had originally been built larger than the current allowable floor-space ratio for the lot—but the City had lost the original documentation approving the additional square footage.

So we had to prove it.

That meant more than a year navigating permits and the Board of Variance before we could move forward with the design we knew the house deserved. Once we finally got approval, we had another challenge to contend with: COVID.

Material costs increased by roughly 30% during construction, supply chains became unpredictable and the original budget had to be constantly recalibrated. We had to make some serious edits on the fly without allowing the house to lose its identity.
In other words, this project came with its fair share of headaches. Luckily, we like a challenge.

Black and white photo of a staircase under renovation or construction, with some boxes and electrical cords nearby, and a partially-constructed wall on the left.

We approached Mink as more than a commercial interior. The goal was to create a fully immersive environment where the operational requirements of a busy beauty business were woven into something that felt closer to an art installation.

The

Process

In its place, we introduced dramatically pitched scissor trusses that created 16-foot vaulted ceilings across the upper floor. It completely changed the game, bringing in more light, creating significantly more volume and giving us the opportunity to introduce a full wall of glazing at the back of the house.

We then flipped the floor plan. The kitchen, dining room, living room, office and powder room moved upstairs to take full advantage of the new vaulted ceiling and abundant natural light, while the three bedrooms, bathrooms, study and kids' play area stayed downstairs. This wasn't simply a matter of moving rooms around; the entire house was reorganized around how the family would actually live in it.

At the back of the house, we designed a floor-to-ceiling wall of glass with oversized sliding doors that opens the upper level directly onto the existing deck. Making that happen required serious engineering to support the new roof structure and withstand the significant wind exposure from the lane.

At the front corner, we pushed things even further. A large LVL structure allowed us to cantilever the corner of the house and install a seamless wraparound window. We met with more than 15 companies before finding one willing to take on the challenge. The result was worth the persistence:

Interior of a house under construction with exposed wooden framing, plastic sheeting on walls and ceiling, large window overlooking a neighborhood, and construction materials on the floor.

The first move was to get rid of the original flat roof.

from inside, the window gives the family uninterrupted views of the neighbourhood and North Shore mountains, while from the street it gives the home a beautifully clean, reflective quality.

The interior concept became what we called “sophisti-quirk.” Our clients were sophisticated but playful, and we wanted the house to feel the same way. The architecture is clean and considered, but then you turn a corner and something unexpected happens.

The kitchen is clad in a custom terracotta-coloured laminate that brings a surprisingly calm warmth to the space. Honed quartz keeps the surrounding surfaces quiet while dramatic blue quartzite wraps the hood and continues onto the sculptural island leg. Then there's the piano. We found and restored a vintage citron piano and let it become a full-blown colour moment in the heart of the home. It's bright, slightly ridiculous and completely perfect.

The most unconventional move happens between floors. We introduced suspended netted platforms that function as light wells, play spaces and visual connections between the levels. They're part architectural intervention, part playground and part conversation starter. Some guests immediately want to climb onto them; others absolutely do not. Either way, nobody forgets them.

We flipped the layout and introduced scissor trusses to create 16-foot vaulted upstairs ceilings, moving the main living spaces to the upper level to maximize natural light. A floor-to-ceiling glass wall opens directly onto the back deck, while a cantilevered corner features a seamless wraparound window framing views of the North Shore mountains.

The interior embodies a "sophisti-quirk" concept—pairing clean architecture with playful, unexpected elements. Terracotta laminate and dramatic blue quartzite in the kitchen are anchored by a restored, bright citron vintage piano in the heart of the home.

Connecting the levels, suspended netted platforms act as both light wells and indoor playgrounds, turning the space between floors into an unforgettable architectural statement.

Underneath, cork flooring gives the kids a soft place to land and brings warmth to the lower level. It's also a particularly practical material for family life—comfortable underfoot, naturally insulating and far more forgiving than a hard floor when someone inevitably drops something. Custom millwork was another major part of the transformation.

On the lower level, practical cork flooring offers soft warmth underfoot for family life. Custom millwork integrates seamlessly into the architecture to define circulation and storage, while salvaged Douglas fir framing was reincorporated throughout the build to honor the home's history.

The interior palette pairs Pacific Northwest staples—white oak, concrete, and natural stone—with bold pops of color so the space feels sophisticated, not beige. Outside, matte black stucco, shou sugi ban cedar, and hand-milled soffits with integrated lighting give the home a striking, contemporary West Coast presence.

Throughout the house, we designed and built cabinetry, storage and architectural elements specifically for the new floor plan rather than trying to make off-the-shelf pieces work around it. This allowed the millwork to become part of the architecture itself—defining circulation, creating storage and giving each room a clear sense of purpose.

We also made a conscious effort to reuse what we could. A significant amount of the original Douglas fir framing was salvaged and reincorporated into the rebuilt structure. It reduced waste, reduced the environmental impact of the renovation and allowed a piece of the original house to literally become part of its next life.

The rest of the material palette leans heavily into the Pacific Northwest: white oak, Douglas fir, cork, concrete, natural stone and ceramic tile. Then we interrupted all that restraint with carefully placed hits of colour. Because a house can be sophisticated without being beige.

Outside, matte black stucco, shou sugi ban cedar and blackened hot-rolled steel give the home a strong monochromatic presence. Our team milled the solid cedar soffits by hand into narrow individual pieces, with integrated lighting washing the façade at night and emphasizing the shifts in texture. The result feels contemporary and distinctly West Coast—but not like it came straight out of a catalogue titled Pacific Northwest House.

Modern black two-story house with large windows, a light-colored front door, and outdoor lighting under the roof, with a walkway leading to the entrance and a garden in the foreground, during dusk or early evening.

The Solution

Archē is a pretty good argument for not judging a Vancouver Special by its cover.

Interior view of a modern staircase with wooden steps, glass railing, and minimalistic decor, including plants and artwork in the background.

What started as a dated, uninhabitable house became a completely reworked family home with vaulted ceilings, expansive glazing, unexpected architectural interventions and a healthy dose of colour and personality. But the goal was never to make it flashy for the sake of being flashy. Every big move had a job.

What emerged is a home that feels architectural but comfortable, sophisticated but playful, and contemporary without being tied to a particular trend. It is very much a family home—just one with a little more personality than most.

We call that sophisti-quirk.

Modern kitchen with wooden cabinets, marble backsplash, large windows, and minimalist decor.
Modern kitchen with light wood cabinets, marble-patterned range hood and island, black stove, and counter with decorative fruit arrangement, and wooden chairs.
A modern kitchen with a white island countertop, pink cabinets, a marble backsplash, large windows, and decorative items including books and a fruit arrangement.
Close-up of a countertop with a wood and marble design. The countertop features a wood grain section and a marble section with brown, beige, and gray veining. The edge of the countertop has a smooth, rounded finish.
Interior of a modern kitchen with natural light, featuring a light wood pantry, a small kitchen island with a coral-colored base, closed cabinets, a sink with a white faucet, and a window with outdoor views.
Modern kitchen with pastel pink island, marble chimney, open shelves with decor, large windows, and beige flooring.
A modern, open-concept living space with a kitchen, dining, and sitting area. The room has large windows, light wooden flooring, and a white ceiling with recessed lighting. Decor includes a yellow piano, artwork, plants, and a mix of furniture such as a sofa and chairs.
Modern living room with fireplace, abstract wall art, a cozy rug, a low wooden coffee table, an oversize pendant light, a potted plant, and a bright yellow piano in the corner.
Modern living room with a white wall, a decorative marble fireplace, a window, a pink flower arrangement in a deep-colored pot, a yellow pillow, and a gray cushion on a beige carpet with a striped rug, a white coffee table with magazines, and a tan chair.
Interior view of a room with large glass sliding doors leading to a backyard patio with outdoor chairs, trees, and houses in the distance.
Inside a modern home with large floor-to-ceiling windows showing a balcony and neighboring houses. Decor includes a framed artwork, green plants, a small striped table with a cushioned stool, and a decorative pillow, with a black vent on the beige carpeted floor.
Split image showing a modern living space. On the left side, there is a dining area with a wooden table, a chair, and wall art. On the right side, there is a sitting area with a beige sofa, colorful pillows, a side table with a lamp, and a large window letting in natural light.
Dining area with a wooden cabinet behind a wooden table, which has vases, an open book, and drinks on it. A chair is at the table, and a striped rug is underneath. There are candles, a book, and a potted fern on top of the cabinet, and the room has recessed ceiling lights.
Modern living room with a large window, beige carpet, a white curved sofa with pillows, and a black trampoline-like coffee table.
Living room with beige carpet, cream-colored sofa with pink and white throw blankets, abstract wall art, bookshelf with books and ornaments, leafy green plant, small window with white frame, overhead ceiling lights, and a cowhide rug with children's toys on it.
Modern living room with a beige armchair and a matching ottoman, a black metal coffee table with a plush cat-shaped pillow and a round cushion, a wall art with abstract blue and orange design, a potted plant, and a sliding glass door leading to a balcony with pink flowering bushes outside.
A cozy living room corner with a tan armchair, a white cushion, a throw blanket, a wooden side table holding books and a yellow lamp, abstract paintings on the wall, a cowhide rug, and green plants. A large fetching net on the ceiling shields the space.
Modern living room with a beige carpet, wooden dining table with white decorative vases, a potted plant with dark green and reddish leaves, large window, and a white walls. A yellow chair is partially visible.
A modern interior dining space with a marble-topped wooden table, white ceramic vases, and a hanging fabric light fixture near a large window with black framing, complemented by plants.
Modern dining room with a white marble table, black chairs, a yellow piano against the wall, and wall decorations including a French horn and artwork.
Modern living room with beige sofa, patterned pillows, green potted plant, fireplace with marble surround, large window with trees outside, and artwork on white walls.
A living room with a beige sofa, a black pot with a tall green plant, a fireplace with a marble mantle, a framed abstract artwork above the fireplace, a pink side table with a plant and magazines, and a small white table with open magazines and a book.
Modern living room with beige area rug, white side table with books, cream sofa with checkered pillows, large window with view of trees, potted palm, wall art, marble fireplace, and cushions on the floor.
Living room with large beige sectional sofa, checkered cushions, abstract rug, round pink side table with a plant, coffee table with books, bright windows showing neighborhood view
A modern living room with beige sectional sofa, checkered pillows, a coffee table, potted plant, large window, and wall art.
Modern bathroom with green tiled walls, a marble sink with brown and blue veins, a black showerhead, and a small shelf with soap bottles.
A bathroom with green tiled walls and ceiling, black fixtures, and a marble vanity with white sinks and black faucets. Two soap dispensers and decorative golden reindeer figurines are on the vanity.
Modern bathroom with green tiled walls, white floor tiles, a rain shower head, a mirror, two bottles on a shelf, and a wooden stool with a towel and leather bag. There is a mirror reflecting part of the ceiling with recessed lighting.
A cozy workspace with two orange chairs positioned at a wooden desk under a long, horizontal window, flanked by potted green plants and colorful artwork on cream-colored walls.
A modern home office with a wooden desk, orange chair, books, a small lamp, and a large painting of a woman on the wall. There is a window letting in natural light.
A children's bedroom with a bed, pillows, and stuffed animals, including a panda and striped zebra. There are blue curtains, a window, and a red bedside table with a lamp, books, a Rubik's cube, and a small globe. Outside the window, there is a wall with utility meters and some electrical equipment.
A children's bedroom with a bed, blue curtains, and a window. The bed has plush toys, including a panda and a zebra. There are red bedside tables with lamps and toys. A blanket hangs over the foot of the bed, and a beige carpet covers the floor.
Bathroom with white hexagonal tile walls, a bathtub, a green and white checkered towel hanging on a wall, a cream-colored shower curtain with gold accents, small plants in glass vases, and bottles of soap or lotion on a shelf.
Bathroom vanity with two sinks, brass faucets, blue soap dispensers, small potted plants, and framed artwork of surfboards with silhouettes, mirror reflection of wall with lights.
Modern bathroom featuring a shower with a checkered curtain, a wooden vanity with a large mirror, a white sink, a toilet, and a terrazzo-style floor. The ceiling has recessed lighting and an air vent.
A woman walking out of a modern house with open wooden door, sunlight streaming in, a potted tree inside, and view of neighboring houses outside.
Interior view of a modern house entryway with a tall potted pine tree, open door, sunlight streaming in, and a view of neighboring houses through the open door.
A person walking down a modern, minimalist staircase with wooden steps and a glass balustrade.
Interior view of a modern room featuring a wooden desk or vanity with a mirror, a window with a view of greenery outside, and a black speaker or electronic device on the desk.
Interior view of a modern room with a staircase, wooden and glass railing, large vertical window with natural light, and minimalistic decor.
Close-up of a mirror, black stapler, and a black tape dispenser on a wooden counter in an office setting.
Interior of a modern house with a staircase, a woman standing on the upper level looking out, a potted plant on the floor, and minimalist decor.
Modern interior staircase with wooden steps and concrete risers, glass railing, and natural light in a minimalist home
Modern staircase with wooden steps, glass railing, and concrete base, leading to an upper level with a wooden landing, next to a beige wall with a narrow vertical light, and a small green potted plant at the bottom.
A bedroom with a bed on the left side, a window with a view of neighboring houses and trees, a small potted plant on the windowsill, and a built-in wall unit with an electric fireplace on the right side.
A bedroom with a large bed covered in a dark striped duvet. A white throw blanket is draped over the edge of the bed. Behind the bed is a window with black trim showing trees outside. There is a built-in wall cabinet around a modern fireplace with a glowing fire. A vase with yellow flowers is on the window sill.
A modern interior ceiling with a rectangular cutout and a large window showing the sky outside.
Image of a staircase with wooden steps and a white concrete wall, with sunlight casting shadows.
A bedroom with a bed covered in a gray and black striped blanket and a beige throw, next to a window showing neighboring houses and trees outside. A yellow flower in a black pot sits on the windowsill, and sunlight streams into the room.
A modern house with large glass windows and a sloped roof, surrounded by a decorated outdoor deck with string lights, trees, and power lines in the background.
Modern house with large glass windows and a balcony, enclosed by a wooden fence, against a clear sky.
Modern house entrance with a light wooden door, black vertical siding, large glass window above the door, and potted plants with green leaves outside.
Modern black house with large windows, wooden accents, and a small front yard with plants. A person is standing at the entrance near an open door.
A modern, multi-story house with dark gray exterior walls, large windows, and a wooden front door, situated in a landscaped area with small trees and a walkway.
Modern black house with wooden accents, large windows, and a glass-enclosed corner. Front door is wooden with a black handle, next to house number 4133. Small plants and concrete stepping stones lead to the entrance, with a clear sky in the background.
A modern two-story house with black exterior and large windows, illuminated from inside, with a paved walkway leading to the front door and small plants in the yard. The sky is clear and it appears to be dusk.
Modern black house with large windows, a light wooden front door, and exterior lighting, situated in a suburban neighborhood under a clear sky.
Modern house with large glass windows, illuminated from inside, dusk sky, wooden fence in foreground.
Close-up of a modern house's exterior corner during dusk, showing wood-paneled eaves, dark walls, and a wall-mounted outdoor light.

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