This renovation of a 1936 Art Deco Vancouver home strikes a balance between renovation and modernization and redefined the boundaries of the city's registrar of architecturally significant buildings from the 1930s.
Consisting of 2,400 square feet on two levels, the house was originally built to the plans of Ross Lort, a leading architect at the time. When the residence was found, the interior was divided into two small apartments. The original plans by Lort called for the public spaces to be on the lower level, with the bedrooms upstairs. The new owners/designers felt the reverse would take better advantage of the views for living, working and entertaining. Access to the landscaped two-level roof decks from the kitchen was also gained when the plan was reversed. The main floor became a modest guest suite and home office, with the quiet master bedroom, ensuite and steam room at the back. Interior finishes and furniture are modern interpretations of the era, using materials from the period in which the house was designed, including lacquer cabinetry, polished plaster, porcelain flooring and glass mosaic tiles. The house pays homage to the era while remaining ultimately livable.