Sandstone - Nanaimo Custom Luxury Home

The Sandstone defines the west coast luxury dream home. While boasting one of the best ocean views in the  region and a uniquely natural design and build,  this custom home still features all of the latest pleasures of the modern world. Located in a gated estate property, this home’s clean lines and simplicity combine a west coast contemporary theme with European elegance.

This home’s dramatic design features a 24’ cantilevered porte-cochere, a unique challenge to meet today’s seismic and engineering guidelines. The porte-cochere is highlighted with three basalt stone columns, creating a dramatic water feature and soothing ambiance welcoming homeowners and guests alike. Generous overhangs in combination with large glass extrusions on the south side allow for solar gain in the winter months and shade in the summer months.

The Sandstone is controlled and monitored with a control 4 integration system, allowing the home to be fully controlled either while there or away on one’s travels. High r-value spray foam as well as external insultation gives this home amazing warmth and long-term value. The home is also heated and cooled with multi-zoned heat pumps, as well as zoned hydronic in-floor heating. Equipped with a backup generator in case of power outages, even the luxuries of convenience in an emergency are considered.

The louvered wall that integrates the kitchen and office space is both aesthetic and functional. It holds up structural elements of the home while allowing natural light into the office area and providing privacy. Floating wood treads pinned off of structural glass and hidden stringers allow natural light to fill the staircase and hallway.

The landscape is focused on low maintenance plants and materials, with careful consideration to sun, wind and ocean exposure. All the landscape rock was sourced locally and from the site’s excavation to blend in with the home’s natural surroundings, as well as to cut down on transport emissions and provide local employment throughout this project. Landscape and retaining walls were designed and shaped around existing sequoia and fir trees, leaving the home with the majority of its original state. Soft lighting was chosen and placed strategically to avoid light pollution in the evening.

Existing stairs to the ocean were updated to provide a safe way to the kayak and swimming platform, using specific metals to avoid weather in the extreme climatic conditions. Two separate firepit areas are electronically controlled with the touch of a device, allowing enjoyment of multiple outdoor areas in the chiller evening hours. The property’s shared road access created a challenge so large screening hedge trees were brought in to give the property’s a defining outline and privacy.

The Sandstone’s open concept living spaces makes this home an entertainer’s dream. The kitchen is integrated with a walk-in pantry, coffee bar area and office which makes it the perfect multi-functional area for the homeowners. Being open to the adjacent dining room and living room is perfect for hosting large parties. The kitchen is linked via a European tilt and turn door to the outdoor kitchen, which makes covered outside barbecuing possible in the winter months. The selected paving stones create a natural transition from the home’s limestone floors for a seamless transition from inside to outside spaces, as well as provides a worry-free finish as people come and go.

The hub of the home is closely connected for efficient flow, while the master and guest quarters are provided ample privacy. All guest rooms have their own ensuite and walk-in closet, which gives everyone their own private spaces to enjoy. The large master suite features a custom integrated headboard, stone detailing, walnut walls with reveal detail and a hidden door.

Light and bright soft hues of limestone and paint colours are highlighted with grain match cabinetry throughout the home. Custom integrated walnut millwork provides additional continuity; premium walnut veneers were intricately book-matched for the millwork installation. Custom designed and in-house fabricated furniture was made to blend in with the home’s finishes. The use of stone metal and wood furniture throughout the home give the space a timeless style and lasting impression

The Sandstone’s kitchen is bright with natural light and LED lighting, making this a well lit but cost effective work space. Radiant in-floor heat keeps feet comfortable year round. Energy efficient built-in and panelled appliances give this kitchen a seamless look, and the use of natural materials add a timeless and comfortable presence. All the kitchen countertops were raised from standard  industry heights to improve the ergonomics for the taller homeowners. Granite and bluestone countertops have integrated backsplashes for a classic, simple design detail. Ample storage is found in the pantry, with carefully thought out internal organizers for the most effective use of all the cabinetry.