This family holiday home in Whistler is welcoming in both warm, sunny summers and cold, snowy winters, accommodating activities that reflect the seasons. The design was influenced by dualities; dark and light, layered yet minimal. There was also a call for durability in materials to evoke a casual and relaxed atmosphere, not only for the homeowners, but also for the guests they would host. The kitchen is grounded by a large dark island for gathering, shared by a cozy breakfast nook for games, crafts and meals. The powder room, inspired by the surrounding forest, is wrapped in dark wood panels to create an immersive experience. In contrast, the upper floor, master bedroom and en-suite are refreshing and bright, like crisp mountain air.

Photography by Ema Peter

Published in:

• Elle Decoration, Germany

• Dezeen

• Est Living

• Western Living

Furnishing Project with interiors and architecture by Mckinley Studios .

Photography by Paul Grdina

From inception, this house had an ambitious brief: create a family home that was equal parts warm, modern light filled ski cabin but also incorporate the best locally sourced materials, natural fabrics, and leading eco friendly standards and building practices. The result is something truly unique: a contemporary family home that incorporates the most innovative sustainable building practices without feeling compromised or industrial. For SBD this project represents the evolution of design and architecture in Whistler and was incredible to be a part of. Together, locally sourced hemlock that is whitewashed and used for all interior millwork, along with marble from Vancouver Island, create a soft Scandinavian aesthetic that is still very much West Coast and adds local context to this iconic Canadian location.

One of our challenges was to take a space that is very contemporary with many hard surfaces and make sure that it was still family friendly, cozy, calm and inviting. On an architectural level, we worked with builders to create functional details perfect for high traffic with kids, ski boots, dogs, etc. This included solid baseboards and casings concealed to look like seamless drywall returns. On a design level we worked to add organic, natural elements through our use of materials and finishes. The den for instance, the one room which has minimal natural light, has grey wool wallpaper on all walls and a built in sofa to ensure it feels comfortable and warm. The powder room, eating nook, and custom bunkbeds are clad in solid hemlock to add warmth and texture. Ceramics from a local designer add an earthy, elemental feel. SBD was involved in every aspect of this design. From the layout, space planning, staircase and millwork to the bedding, towels, artwork and vases; we were able to execute on a vision of serene simplicity and warmth.

Photography by Ema Peter

Published in Nordic Design

This home was built for clients who love skiing and the outdoors and were looking to create a stylish yet practical family retreat where they could relax and entertain friends and family. Working with the clients, we wanted to create a contemporary alpine aesthetic that moves away from the orange and yellow tones found in natural fir and hemlock so often used in Whistler. Instead we worked with our finishers to find grey tones for flooring and hemlock cladding that feels softer and more current.  Certain feature areas are darker and moodier, for example the powder room, clad in a smoked oak finish.

We focused on finding the balance between rustic and modern to create a look and feel that would be practical for a family. Millwork and architectural details are contemporary with crisp drywall returns for the windows and flat panel millwork. These are balanced with more rustic elements in the lighting and furniture. Natural materials lend warmth and texture: local Squamish stone, fir, hemlock, white oak, limestone, linens and wools. The result is a home that is inviting and beautiful in a rugged kind of way.

This home in Whistler, BC was created for a family who love skiing and the outdoors and wanted a home that felt cozy and unfussy. We used lots of natural materials for the finishings - whitewashed Douglas Fir cladding for feature walls, natural stone for floors and the fireplace surround, wool for carpets, and linen for upholstery and curtains. 

Published in Canadian House & Home