Major Renovation: Britannia Heritage Home Modernization

Welcome to Britannia Beach — a charming community nestled amidst the rich history and natural beauty of Howe Sound. Established as a company town in the early 1900s and previously inhabited by the Coast Salish people, Britannia Beach has long been cherished for its idyllic location and close-knit community.

Built in 1955, this historic home underwent a journey to get where it is, today. Designed by a Californian architect as a prefabricated and mass-produced product, this home, as with the others on its street, was flat-packed and barged up the Sound by steamship. The homeowner was keen to maintain the architectural integrity of the original design but also wished the home took advantage of the breathtaking ocean views afforded to its high vantage point. We reworked the kitchen, flipping its original configuration and adding additional millwork for increased storage. On the ocean-facing façade, we installed a large glass slider and wrap-around deck, which brings in ample natural light and from which you can see for miles!

The previously-unfinished basement provided a blank slate from which to arrange new spaces and utility, including dedicated laundry space, powder room, flex space, and mechanical room. Space being a coveted luxury, we made sure to squeeze in opportunities for storage wherever possible. Custom access panels were cut to keep the under-stair storage space clean and streamlined, and a small laundry sink is tucked under the stairs, too.

Fir timbers and slats were incorporated into the home wherever possible, bringing characteristic warmth and local materials into the space. The custom guard, feature wall, and fireplace mantle all tie into the exposed structural posts and beams – their rich orange tone providing beautiful contrast against black hardware and other black accents such as the home’s original chimney.

Discover more of our work and other stunning builds here: See Our Projects