Carina One

vancouver, bc

Status:
built
Residential
year:
2017
3000 sqft

Occupying half a floor of the Carina building in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour, this sub-penthouse was designed as a retreat for a family returning regularly to Canada from their home in Denver. Surrounded by views of Vancouver Harbour, Stanley Park, and the North Shore Mountains, the renovation focused on creating a calm and cohesive interior that would celebrate its remarkable setting.

A white-washed oak millwork palette was used throughout the home to create continuity across the expansive floor plan. The millwork and flooring were carefully selected in complementary tones, establishing a sense of warmth and cohesion while allowing the landscape beyond the windows to remain the focal point. A thoughtful reconfiguration of interior partitions improved circulation, functionality, and the overall flow of the home.

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One of the most memorable design moments emerged during construction. As we explored widening the main hallway, portions of the building’s concrete core were revealed. The clients immediately responded to the inherent beauty of the material, and together we decided to leave it exposed. What began as a construction discovery became a defining feature of the home—an element that feels both sculptural and unearthed. The contrast between the refined oak millwork and the raw concrete brings depth, texture, and character to the interior.

Throughout the home, carefully positioned openings, furnishings, and built-in elements frame specific views of water, mountains, trees, and sky, creating an ongoing dialogue between the interior and its surroundings. The design relies on a restrained palette of materials and colours, allowing natural light, changing weather, and seasonal shifts in the landscape to animate the spaces throughout the day.

Subtle moments of colour were introduced through tile, textiles, and furnishings, bringing personality and warmth to the home without competing with the views beyond. The result is a contemporary retreat that feels calm, grounded, and distinctly connected to Vancouver’s coastal landscape.