Homes at The Foothills
Nature Merges with Design for West Coast Custom Home
The topography of certain lots at The Foothills can be looked at as a challenge, or in designer Josh Harvey and homeowner Jeff French’s perspective an opportunity to work with nature and design to create a one of a kind custom home.
We sat down with Josh Harvey of Josh Harvey Designs for a preview of a new home coming to life at The Foothills. Here is that conversation:
Q: Tell us about the design process for this unique property
Josh: Well, it started as most do, with a walk though of the site. This particular site is perched on the edge of a rocky bluff. So, my first thought was – how can we use this to our advantage? We obviously wanted to maximize views as well bring the outdoors into the interior design of the property. We had an ambitious vision, but of course we had to ensure safety in our designs so worked in step with structural engineers who were also on board with being creative in our approach.
Q: What were the key elements of design to work with not against the bluff?
Josh: The panorama views of the Georgia Strait looking out to the Winchelsea Islands are unparalleled from this location, so we designed the living room to perch right over the bluff, maximize the panorama view. We also are incorporating a private central courtyard featuring a pool, that maximizes full day sun and also soaks in the views.
Q: Wait – you were able to work in a POOL into this technical property?
Josh: Haha - yes. We worked with the existing typography and there was a natural depression of rocks that worked quite nicely to incorporate a pool.
Q: So take us inside, what are the specs of the home?
Josh: Starting from the upmost floor, there are 2 primary suites both quite generous in size and with walk in closets and en-suites. The main/middle floor is there the 2 other kid/bonus bedrooms are situated. The lower floor features a family room and gym. The living room, kitchen, garage, and generous foyer are all on the floor you enter the house on. There are 3 full floors that are taller as the property slopes.
Q: What design style is planned for the interior and exterior style and finishing?
Josh: I’d classify this home a West Coast Contemporary style. The floors are polished concrete, which marries nicely with the land we are on, as it feels like you are sitting on top of the rocks and bluff. There is mixed of exposed concrete walls, and wood + white walls for that very clean contemporary feel.
The ceilings are where things get interesting. They feature a slatted detail that plays really nicely with acoustics and lighting. Jeff and I are working with Christine from Jason Good Cabinets for all the interior design elements.
Q: Any elements of the design of this unique property you are most excited about.
How we have worked the flow from where you park/enter the home to the main living space. We ended up with an incredibly generous foyer that will end up being one of the key differentiating pieces of this home. It works to incorporate the existing native arbutus trees on the property. As you move from the entrance to the main living area you see the water and other nature elements again really merging the indoors and outdoors.
Oh and the green roof we designed that you can look at from the primary bedroom, again inviting nature inside. We took the existing mossy feel of the rocks and put on the roof – replacing the vegetation that the house was built on.
The home is being built by the expert team at Carmanah Projects. The team is set to break ground this April and take 18-20 months to reach completion.
Lot Number: 17
Builder: Carmanah Homes
Designer: Josh Harvey
Interiors: Jason Good Cabinets
