Home Designing from the Ground Up: A Custom Build in West Kelowna. Recently, we had the privilege of working on a custom home design and build alongside a local contractor in West Kelowna. It’s always exciting to be part of a project where we get to collaborate closely with the homeowner, bringing their wants and needs to life. This particular build took place on a stunning lakeside lot with a steep east-facing slope, which brings unique design challenges, but also the promise of breathtaking views and sunrises.
The Challenge: Designing on a Slope
The existing house was removed to make way for the new design, which allowed us to start fresh and improve the overall layout, access, and aesthetics. One of the initial design challenges we faced was the location of the lot. The road to the property runs along the west side, sitting higher than the front drive, creating the need to raise the house closer to the road while still respecting local setback bylaws.
Once we established how the house would sit on the lot, we shifted our focus to drainage and practical access from the lower side of the property. Over time, we explored seven different design layouts, with six of them being set aside in favour of a final concept that addressed all the homeowners’ needs and desires.
Balancing Design, Function, and Budget
When designing a home, especially on a site like this, aesthetics, practicality, and budget all need to work in harmony. While every designer dreams of creating something bold and artistic, the reality is that most homeowners want a space that fits their lifestyle, is practical, and remains within budget. That’s where we come in. Our goal isn’t to push the latest architectural trends but to create a space where the homeowner can say, “I want to live here.”
What makes this process so fulfilling is the collaboration between designer and homeowner. During the design review, we propose ideas that spark new considerations and open the homeowner’s mind to possibilities they may not have thought of before. It’s this back-and-forth exchange of ideas that leads to the creation of a truly personalized space.
Iterations That Reflect the Homeowner’s Life
Throughout this project, we went through multiple design iterations to get it just right. The steep grade on the lot required us to get creative with both the house’s access and exterior aesthetic. We played with architectural details like imaginative lighting over the garage doors and explored the possibility of adding a retaining wall on the lower side to manage the slope.
By modifying the exterior finish of the garage, we were able to visually break up the space and give the structure a unique, multi-volume look. All of this while ensuring the design adhered to building codes and local bylaws.
Personal Touches that Matter
A major part of any custom home design is ensuring that it fits the lifestyle of the people who will live there. For this homeowner, it wasn’t just about designing a house; it was about creating a home that reflected their needs and future plans.
Some of the conversations we had during the design process revolved around specific personal requirements, like how to manage direct sunlight. This led to the inclusion of a covered deck, which helps keep the living room cool by pulling the view windows back from the intense sun exposure.
There were also considerations for entertaining guests, as the homeowners plan to retire soon. Secondary bedrooms were placed on the lower level for children returning home for holidays from university and other guests. And let’s not forget about their beloved family dog, whose supervision and comfort also played a role in the home’s layout!
Practical elements, like the desire for easy garage access and sufficient off-road parking for guests, influenced the placement of the garage at street level. Beneath the garage, we designed a large enclosed space for storage, perfect for keeping sporting gear, boating equipment, and yard tools safe and out of the weather.
Creating a Home That Feels Right
At the heart of this project was a focus on designing a home that meets the homeowners’ current and future needs, while blending seamlessly with the environment. We’re proud to have been part of this process, helping to create a space that reflects their tastes, lifestyle, and budget.
The end result? A home that brings the best of what West Kelowna living has to offer—sun-filled mornings, practical living spaces, and architectural appeal.
Ready to Make Home Improvements That Enhance Your Lifestyle??
If you’re thinking about building or redesigning a home and want to work with a team that prioritizes your needs, wants, practicality, and budget, let’s talk! Whether your plans include a custom home like this project in West Kelowna or you’re looking to renovate an existing space, we’re here to help.
Contact us today to discuss your project and how we can work together to turn your vision into a reality.