Split Level Urban House

This half duplex, originally built in 1990 is located in the Point Grey neighbourhood in Vancouver BC, Canada. Half of a two-unit building on a compact urban site, the existing 2 bedroom + 2 bath home was a narrow volume with limited access to natural light. The spaces in the home were organized on split levels separating spaces on different levels with limited sightlines between spaces.

Upon further examination, we found the split level design was appropriate for the narrow 150 sq.m dwelling, accommodating site topography and reducing circulation space by eliminating hallways. The existing spaces were fragmented with half walls acting as guards organized around an atrium capped off with a large skylight.

The project involved a complete interior renovation of the half-duplex to accommodate 3 bedroom + 3 baths with updated fixtures and finishings. Our vision for this renovation was to visually connect living spaces on multiple levels and improve daylight access into the unit, from either side. Without reconfiguring the spaces, we replaced the half walls with frameless glass railings to act as guards and worked with a local fabricator and the project contractor to introduce an open riser stair supported by 20mm laminated glass stringers, achieving a seamless visual connection between the living room and the kitchen/dining levels.

Gourmet kitchen appliances and reconfigured millwork allow for a more comfortable cooking experience, whereas moving the dining area closer to the rear porch allows for a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces.

The top two floors of the home were reconfigured into two master bedrooms with their own ensuite bathrooms and walk-in closets contained within a vaulted roof form, in addition to a guest suite on the entry-level. The north-facing master bedroom boasts panoramic water views anchored by the north-shore mountains. The large skylight at the top of the stair atrium was split up between the new master ensuite and the stairwell.

Vertical volumes around the stairs and in the two master bedrooms and the renewed visual connection between spaces extend the perception of spaces beyond a room — rendering a commodious living experience in this urban home.

Design: Regeneration Design Studio
Design Team: Hitesh Neb, Michelle Jin
Photography: Janis Nicolay