central vancouver island CENTRAL ISLAND’S PREMIER MAGAZINE ABOUT HOMES AND LIVING
WINTER
2011
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FEATURE Dogwood Mountain Homes — ‘The Murard’
Nanaimo, British Columbia
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Written by Jessica Krippendorf Photography by Tony Puerzer
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‘The Murard’ by Dogwood Mountain Homes
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Nouveau Character High Above Nanaimo, BC
HOME BUILDER Dogwood Mountain Homes Architect Delinea Design Consultants Ltd. INTERIOR DESIGN Kallos Interior Design STYLE West Coast Contemporary BEDROOMS 4
BATHROOMS 4
SQUARE FEET 3,400
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“The Murard” is an unexpected, lively home, full of the passion that only a dream home can exude. The 3,400 square foot custom built home is positioned bluff-top overlooking sprawling farmland and greenery at the base of Nanaimo’s Mount Benson, where a breathtaking early morning fog often curls in and around an epic landscape.
“Even after three years, it is still like a picture to me,” says Murray Briggs, owner and builder of the home he and his partner, Ardie Windley watched come to life over a one-year span. Briggs owns Dogwood Mountain Homes—a fullservice general contractor specializing in custom
home projects. The 23 year old company constructs houses in many styles from provincial to West Coast contemporary, and this is the sixth custom home Briggs has constructed for himself. Even so, the decision to build the home of the couple’s dreams was an edifying experience Briggs says has made him a better contractor.
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The Murard is the essence of modern living, boasting wide open spaces and family comfort
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“Making those decisions and considerations gave me a real insight to the homeowner’s perspective,” he says. “I feel like I am in a better position to meet a client’s needs having gone through this process.” The company completes its own foundations, framing, timber siding, and finishing carpentry with a skilled team of workers, each of whom has been with the company eight years or longer. “We maintain control of the final product to ensure a quality workmanship from start to finish,” says Briggs. “We work on homes of any size, but we prefer the challenge of larger custom homes and intricate finishes. There is always more than meets the eye.”
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Briggs and Windley brought that sense of dedication to every detail of their home, beginning with the location. They wanted a lot with character— something completely unique and connected to nature—but didn’t want high maintenance acreage. They found their dream location, and although they had to remove 150 loads of rock material to level the driveway, the draw was irresistible.
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A welcoming West Coast façade set against a spectacular backdrop of mountains
“We loved the view,” says Briggs. “When we walked up we couldn’t believe it.” The couple enlisted Will Melville of Delinea Design Consultants because of a familiar working relationship between the company and Dogwood Mountain Homes. The homeowners provided some basic parameters before granting Melville free range, including southfacing orientation for as many rooms as possible and a substantial, chalet inspired design form that simultaneously evokes strength, retreat ambiance and Zen-like serenity.
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H O M E S
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R E N O V A T I O N S
Committed to customer satisfaction T. 250.390.0317 - 6230 Garside Road, Nanaimo, B.C.
dogwoodmountainhomes.com
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C U S T O M
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“One thing we wanted was windows and windowed doors so you could see straight through from the front door, and when you stepped in you felt like you were walking straight outside,” says Briggs.
Bubble rock fountains are positioned around a rock lined river bed formation along the side of the house that curves with the driveway to create a softness that appears to swirl around the base of the home.
of the home that leads to a dramatic cedar door with an inset three by six foot glass panel. The window is layered against interior glazing, opening up a clear field of vision that stretches far back to the view beyond the property.
The couple loves to entertain and wanted the view to inspire and enliven the guests while the floor plan stayed functional and social.
Indigenous plantings realize the vision of well-manicured, low maintenance landscaping and are a subtle announcement of the extensive use of natural material inside. The sprinkler system is a case in exacting water efficiency science—tiny units are positioned under each plant and in each pot and are scheduled to run as needed for complete control and no waste.
Inside, the home’s features are largely angular and square with very few rounded or soft lines. The scale of the trim and interior finishes is large and the lines are bold, but the colours and materials are clean and natural for a strong, deliberate presence that waits to be noticed.
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On Windley’s wish list were a calming, neutral palette and large scale architectural features that were at the same time easy to relate to.
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Melville didn’t disappoint. The exterior commands a strong; West Coast inspired presence with slate grey Hardy plank in vertical and horizontal configurations and custom cedar accents around the windows, double garage doors and gables.
Posts extend from a main beam secured under the larger than average timber overhangs to create a sheltered walkway along the left side
The couple kept the palette neutral to keep the focus on the view and on the extensive millwork that extends to and ties in with the exterior beams. “I didn’t want people’s attention darting around at bright colours,” says Windley.
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The great room is designed around comfort, substance and play—black leather sectionals are a strong foundation against a multi-toned wave patterned carpet. White leather pieces—a hassock, corner chair and standing lamp— create opposition for the sofas while silver accents add a touch of sophistication. Green and orange earth tone throws pull inspiration from the outdoors and from art pieces that seem made for the space. Central to the room is the fireplace, set asymmetrically into a concrete frame facing that extends down on either side to meet a
cantilevered concrete hearth. The pre-fabricated hearth was brought onsite for installation weighing approximately 600 lb., says Briggs.
‘The Murard’ is an unexpected, lively home, full of the passion that only a dream home can exude
The fireplace is flanked by art pieces to the left that subtly and meticulously picks up red, green and gold tones and hues from the room’s careful accents, and by a six by five foot window to the right. The result is a cohesive feature wall that invites gathering and conversation in an easy flowing, sophisticated environment. Positioned with the valley and an extensive patio as a backdrop, the integrated dining area leads off from the great room and features a dark brown Yoshi table that offers a beautiful mottled appearance and seamless solid hardwood legs. Leather chairs seat six comfortably beneath a frosted glass and cast iron Hubbardton forge pendant chandelier.
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Just inside the entrance, a 4 x 8 foot slate rock and stainless steel water feature is the first of many carefully chosen pieces that complement the architectural elements.
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Completing the circle is the kitchen—an exquisite, floor to ceiling mosaic of layered rectangles in a variety of textures. On the backsplash a dark grey porcelain tile configuration with alternating vertical grained Lagos Azul blue stone as a middle accent tie together with the recesses of the full-height cabinetry where dark wood and frosted glass offer a similar contrast. Oversized silver industrial pulls keep these finishes to scale and offer sleek, clean lines along with a stainless steel range hood and appliances. A wraparound polished concrete counter and a two-level island countertop of the same material with a moulded sink and built-in cutting board on the bottom level add an additional layer of texture. The counters’ two-inch depth is just enough of an oversize to reflect the bold image of the interior finishes.
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The window facing sink is placed asymmetrically against a concrete window ledge – a playful and articulate detail considering its location directly across the room from the fireplace of similar design.
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The kitchen’s elegance is matched only by its functionality. Independently operated dishwasher drawers, an over-the-range pot filler—“I’ve always wanted one of these,” says the homeowners—and large gas cooktop are just a few European influenced touches that bring ease of use to the room. An HAI control system is command central for pre-set lighting, audio visual and security features.
A master retreat – complete with spa bathroom and private terrace befitting an island lifestyle
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The main floor powder room offers one of The Murard’s prized features—a moulded concrete vanity with inset rock edges and stainless steel inlay running vertically down the front. A raised bowl sink in red decorative glass is a pleasant splash of colour against the industrial grey of the concrete, and bits of broken red glass embedded in the counter top give the illusion of a reflection. The wine cellar off the kitchen is marked by a metal mesh door leading to a slate rock set of stairs below. A 30 cubic-foot mass of rock in the cellar is a creative element the homeowners thought of during construction. “We thought it would be neat so we had a crane hoist it into what we knew would be the cellar,” says Briggs. Down the hall is the interior door to Windley’s office—the ultimate in executive styled work / live office space. The walls are glazed in six by seven foot and five by six foot windows and a six foot wide glass double door allows private access. Inside, ample natural light falls on a natural palette and oversized wooden trim and door casings which, along with large custom milled doors and transom windows bring a ‘nouveau character home’ element to a completely contemporary space. Beyond the great room, double doors open to a generous, 50 foot deck that wraps around either side of the home. Protected southern exposure and a full service outdoor dining and kitchen area create a stunning hub for all season entertaining. A fridge and cold water storage, Jackson grill, huge barbeque and built-in trash drawer ensure every need is accommodated. Slate ledge stone on the kitchen counter is durable and stylish and rough cut slate around the bar is a beautiful detail. An exterior heater and recessed pot lights make the space comfortable and functional. A corner-fitted outdoor sofa curves around a fire table and steel accents offer durable outdoor décor while reflecting the silver accents from the great room.
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Back inside, Brazilian tigerwood flooring ties in with the darker grain in the timbers and is skillfully used to clad a load-bearing post at the bottom of the hand built, solid wood staircase that leads to the second floor.
Carefully planned art niches at the top of the stairs and in the bedrooms welcome creativity and help shape dynamic, flexible spaces that accommodate the needs of an evolving family.
NANAIMO 250.758.0181 LANGFORD 250.478.2989 VICTORIA 250.385.6746
Jordans.ca
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A dramatic art piece on the wall at the landing adds interest and is a spectacular complement to a pendant chandelier made of curved and textured amber glass panels wire suspended over the staircase.
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TONY PUERZER
| Feature home
TONY PUERZER
NANAIMO BASED PHOTOGRAPHER TONY PUERZER IS PASSIONATE ABOUT NANAIMO BASED PHOTOGRAPHER SHOOTING ARCHITECTURE AND ABOUT TONY PUERZER IS PASSIONATE PORTRAITURE, SAYS THAT HIS SHOOTINGBUT ARCHITECTURE AND MOST RECENT VISIT TOSAYS FLORIDA WAS PORTRAITURE, BUT THAT HIS TRULY FOR THE MOSTONE RECENT VISITBOOKS. TO FLORIDA WAS TRULY ONE FOR THE BOOKS.
PUERZER NOW WITH H&L! “I RECENTLY HAD THE CHANCE TO FULFILL
RECENTLY HAD THE CHANCE TO FULFILL A A “I CHILDHOOD DREAM BY PHOTOGRAPHING CHILDHOOD DREAM BY PHOTOGRAPHING THE FINAL THE FINAL NIGHT LAUNCH OF THE SPACE NIGHT LAUNCH OF THE SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY,” SHUTTLE DISCOVERY,” SAYSDURING PUERZER WHO SAYS PUERZER WHO WAS IN FLORIDA THE WAS IN AND FLORIDA THE LAUNCH, LAUNCH, WITNESSDURING TO THE RAW POWER OF THE AND SHUTTLE ASTO IT LIFTED INTO SPACE. OF THE SHUTTLE WITNESS THEOFF RAW POWER AS IT LIFTED OFF INTO SPACE. WHEN HE’S WHEN HE’S NOT AT LIFT OFFS, HE SAYS THAT HIS NOT AT LIFT OFFS, HE SAYS THAT HIS ALARM ALARM CLOCK IS GOING OFF TO CAPTURE AN EARLY CLOCK ISSUNRISE, GOINGNOTING OFF TO MORNING THATCAPTURE HIS WORK AN EARLY MORNING NOTING THAT WORK CONSTANTLYSUNRISE, DRIVES HIM TO EXPERIENCE NEW HIS SIGHTS AND MEET NEW AND EXITING PEOPLE. “PHOTOGRAPHY CONSTANTLY DRIVES HIM TO EXPERIENCE HAS ENRICHED EXPERIENCE OF PEOPLE NEW SIGHTSMYAND MEET NEW AND AND EXITING NATURE IN MORE WAYS THAN I CAN COUNT.” PEOPLE. “PHOTOGRAPHY HAS ENRICHED MY EXPERIENCE OF BROAD PEOPLE AND INBEMORE HIS INVENTIVE AND RANGE OF NATURE TALENT CAN WAYS THAN I CAN COUNT.” SEEN ON THE GLOSSY PAGES OF HOMES & LIVING MAGAZINE, A SHOWCASE OF SOME OF THE MOST ARCHITECTURALLY FASCINATING HOMES ON HIS INVENTIVE AND BROAD RANGE OFTHE TALENT CAN ISLAND. View his work at BE SEEN ON THE GLOSSY PAGES OF HOMES & LIVING BRIGHTIDEAPHOTOGRAPHY.COM MAGAZINE, A SHOWCASE OF SOME OF THE MOST or at hlmagazine.com. ARCHITECTURALLY FASCINATING HOMES ON THE ISLAND.
You can view his work at BRIGHTIDEAPHOTOGRAPHY.COM, or visit hlmagazine.com to view his stunning architectural pictures in many of H&L’s feature home slide shows.
The floor and wall finishes transition effectively between the two levels with complementing textures and colours. Upstairs the texture in a sculpted wave patterned carpet picks up the dark grain in the wood flooring. It also transitions the bedrooms to a serene atmosphere with soft, rich undertones. The functional plan places the bedrooms upstairs and the media room over the garage for the ultimate in privacy and sound control. Vaulted ceilings throughout the upper floor bring an unusual and eye-catching dynamic to the space – varied peaks and shapes playfully mirror a mountain range, but they are also essential in keeping the scale. With a blended family of six children coming and going, the house can be a busy place. It was essential that Briggs and Windley had an oasis to call their own in the midst of it all. The master bedroom is a picturesque scene from a magical mountain resort. The floor plan is jogged and irregular, and a 14-foot vaulted ceiling opens up the space to a balcony overlooking the valley. A nook at the far end of the room will be fitted with built-ins for a convenient walk-in storage area. The room’s palette is soft and warm with tones of yellow warmed against the rich tones of dark wood. A gas fireplace makes evenings cozy and a full length mirror with a six-inch thick frame is another testament to the home’s fearless scale. In the master ensuite, polished concrete makes another appearance in the countertops, complete with double moulded sinks. Sconces and pendant lighting fixtures over the rectangular soaker bathtub keep the mood light and ambient, while the walk-in, door-less shower clad in earth-tone tile and a pebbled floor evoke images of a warm evening on the beach. Dark wood on the vanity creates a focal point that pulls the room together and an adults’ only infrared sauna is a space to unwind. Dogwood Mountain Homes has a company philosophy that is simple, honest and is evident in every design element and build feature of The Murard: “It sounds funny, but we really do put our heart and soul and a real passion into every home we build,” says Briggs.
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See MORE photos of this exceptional custom home - available exclusively in H&L’s Feature Home Slideshow - online at HLMagazine.com
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H&L is pleased to present the following quality suppliers and subtrades, who proudly partnered with Dogwood Mountain Homes on ‘The Murard’:
Lighting
Finishing/Hardware
McLaren Lighting 250.758.0138 mclarenlighting.com
McGregor-Thompson 250.729.7888 mcgregor-thompson.com
Roofing
Drywall/Insulation
Four Winds Roofing 250.754.7077 fourwindsroofing.com
InsulPro Industries 250.751.1108 wes.insulpro@shawbiz.ca
LANDSCAPING
Flooring
Mystical Images LANDSCAPING
Mystical Images
SUPPLIERS
Mystical Images Landscaping 250.468.9745 mysticalimages.ca
City Tile 250.729.9766 citytile.ca
Furnishings
Furnishings
Jordans 250.385.6746 jordans.ca
Scan Designs 250.475.2233 scandesigns.com
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LANDSCAPING
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