West Coast Modern

A project by K2 Developments

Project Overview

Set high on a Maple Bay hillside, this West Coast modern home pairs sweeping ocean views with natural materials and strong timber accents. The design blends contemporary lines with personal touches that anchor the home in the owners’ story.

Client Story

Brent and Lenora had crossed paths with us several times over the years — even running into each other by chance on Salt Spring Island. By the time they were ready to build their retirement home, the relationship was already well established. After interviewing several contractors, they chose K2 for our communication, clarity, and fit. Their vision centered on timbers, big views, and plenty of glass, echoing the character of their previous timber-framed home in Alberta.

Location

Maple Bay, BC

Completed

2023

Project Type

Custom Home Build

Architectural Style

West Coast Modern

Architectural Highlights

This home brings together modern detailing and meaningful personal elements:

Expansive ocean views captured through extensive glazing.
Timber framing throughout, a key priority for the owners.
Steep hillside site with a long gravel driveway leading to the home.
Interior finishes that honour family history, including wood doors and a fireplace mantle handcrafted years ago by the owner’s late father.
Custom cabinetry.
Acid-etched concrete slab in the basement.
Stone (granite) countertops.

Technical Details

The lot presented major geotechnical challenges, requiring deep excavation beneath the building footprint and significant structural fill to replace unstable soils. Adding to the complexity, the home had to be built entirely on generator power because hydro service was delayed. With no alternative housing available for the owners, staying on schedule was essential. Despite the unusual conditions, the build remained on track, and hydro was connected just in time for move-in.

We interviewed several builders and ultimately settled on K2 due to their responsive communication to us, as well as their reputation for integrity and reliability. We were not disappointed. Seeing the house come to life was very exciting. The K2 crew all seem to love their jobs and have an easy camaraderie that has been built over years. The crew are friendly, easy going, humor filled people that are simply a great group to work with. Of equal importance they are extremely skilled craftsmen. They carefully analyze situations and use their extensive experience and community of resources to create solutions and support decision making along the way. The sub trades that they work with share the same customer satisfaction goals and commitment to quality. It spoke volumes to us to know these people have collaborated with K2 for years, sometimes decades, by choice. We felt that our wants and needs were important to them all. Everyone took whatever time was needed (a lot), to explain things, reassure and collaborate. Jared and Rick, as team leads, were extremely innovative in creating solutions and unique touches. They also had a firm grip on the schedule for all parties involved. Jay was always willing to do anything for us and to make us smile. Peter went to great lengths to manage expectations and was respectful of our budget. He tried to hold us accountable to it with our choices and provided ideas on cost savings when unexpected expenses were incurred and pricing of products or services inflated. Communication with the team was timely and thorough. They walked us through the process, keeping us apprised of what was happening and what was required of us, or others, via text, phone and through their team communication/management tool. Thanks to each and every member of the K2 extended team that made the often exhausting and stressful job of building, almost always fun. We have lived in our new house for almost five months now. The house has withstood significant storms and the energy of an active dog friendly family extremely well. We have very few minor tweaks to do and everywhere we look it feels like home. Thank you.

Brent & Lenora Thorkelson

This West Coast modern home reflects our commitment to clear communication, thoughtful craftsmanship, and building spaces that carry personal meaning for the families who live in them.