New Build · North Vancouver
Panorama Ridge Estate
Location
North Vancouver
Year
2024
Size
6,200 sq ft
Duration
18 months
About This Project
Where the treeline meets architectural ambition.
Perched above the Capilano River canyon, the Panorama Ridge Estate is a testament to what happens when topography becomes an asset rather than an obstacle. The clients — a family of five who had lived in the neighbourhood for a decade — wanted a home that felt rooted in the Pacific Northwest, not merely placed on it.
The design draws from West Coast modernism's best tradition: exposed Douglas fir beams, floor-to-ceiling glazing that frames the North Shore Mountains, and a material palette sourced almost entirely within 200 kilometres. We worked closely with the structural engineer to cantilever the primary living wing over a natural rock face, eliminating the need for excavation and preserving the mature cedar grove below.
The result is a 6,200 square foot residence that feels simultaneously imposing and intimate. Arriving guests approach through a forested pathway before the full scope of the home reveals itself — a deliberate choreography designed to earn that first impression.
Challenges & Solutions
Challenge
The steep, forested lot presented significant structural challenges. Conventional foundation systems would have required removing 14 mature cedars and extensive hillside excavation — both unacceptable to the client and the municipality.
Solution
We developed a custom helical pile foundation system in collaboration with a specialist geotechnical firm, driving 22 piles to bedrock without disturbing the canopy. The cantilevered living wing uses a steel moment frame concealed within the timber cladding, achieving the appearance of a purely wood structure with the engineering confidence of steel.
Photography
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