Westbank?s Horseshoe Bay community of condominiums attracts locals, downsizers
Mary Frances Hill
The Province
Horseshoe Bay
Address: Horseshoe Bay, West Vancouver
What: 158 condos and townhomes in six buildings on the waterfront at Horsehowe Bay, including amenities such as a boathouse
Residence sizes and prices: One- to three-bedroom-and-den homes, ranging from 1.084 to 6, 405 square feet, including up to 2, 844 square feet of outdoor space; from $950,000
Developer and builder: Westbank
Sales centre: 1502 Marine Dr., West Vancouver
Centre hours: noon — 5 p.m., Sat — Thurs.
Anyone who’s marvelled at the natural beauty of Horseshoe Bay might understand that when the village’s residents find themselves in the market for a new home, they’re not likely to look too far past the community’s borders. So it’s a special occasion when home hunters who have lived in and loved the village are given new opportunities for luxury living locally — particularly when their architecture and interior design that evokes the stunning surroundings.
With its planned Horseshoe Bay community of condominiums, Westbank wants to appeal to those who are already familiar with the bucolic waterfront village — and it’s eyeing young families, marine lovers and downsizers alike.
“[Horseshoe Bay attracts] local residents who already love the area and are looking to downsize from their larger homes. They need the space to be inviting and still feel like home,” says Melissa Peatch, an interior designer with Merrick Architecture, whose architects designed the Horseshoe Bay community of six buildings and 158 homes.
The suites’ interior design are characterized by a distinct West Coast modernist touch, says Peatch—minimalist, clean, and spare. “We are always taking inspiration from the West Coast modernist influences seen throughout the project and take into consideration the surrounding environment and amazing views.”
The views are the magnet for the visitors to the display space, and the building is oriented to take advantage of every angle, allowing homeowners to soak in the natural setting of the water and mountains.
We work closely with the entire [Merrick Architecture] team to ensure a unity throughout the project and allow the West Coast modernist influences to be present in all aspects,” says Peatch, referring to the architectural style characterized by roof overhangs (as a response to rainfall); big windows for muted sunshine, views of nature, wood exteriors, floor plans with high ceilings, open sight lines and flat roofs.
Peatch says the minimalism inside is meant to calm, while it keeps the visitor’s attention on the views.
“It is best to stick to a clean and simple esthetic to prevent from distracting from the view beyond,” she says. She advises homeowners to “treat the view as a piece of art and take inspiration from the changing colour palette and textures to accentuate the existing beauty.”
That’s not to say Horseshoe Bay’s interior finishes don’t command attention on their own. Though none of the luxurious materials, such as Travertine tile (surrounding a fireplace), wide-planked flooring and teak cabinetry were chosen merely for the sake of their own beauty. Peatch refers back to the continuity and the communication between the natural surroundings, architecture, and interior design.
“They are practical and timeless materials that will always have a tactile warmth, creating an inviting West Coast contemporary space.”
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