The Renovation of a 1950s House in Vancouver, Canada by Randy Bens

Designed by Canadian architect Randy Bens, this 3500 sq. ft residence is the renovation of an existing 1950s house with its original L-shaped bungalow plan that is located among modern architecture form from its neighbourhood in the city of New Westminster, Vancouver, Canada.

This addition project create a new floor for its owner including a new studio addition, master suite, and a deck to take advantage of the view. The aim of this renovation project was to combines the old and new space with simple gestures and materials to create a fresh living space. A new horizontal screen extends past the living room in both directions was introduced for its exterior space to create a covered entry to the east and an open structured space to the west, where there will be a stand of bamboo. The vertical cedar siding, gently sloping roofs, exposed glulam beams and rafters are all present, but contemporary in their composition.

To give the facades order and cohesion, two devices were used to mediate between existing and new openings. Bright rolled zinc panels were placed above and beside existing window openings, then aligned with new openings above. A simple through-wall flashing detail serves as a datum for window heads, mullions and sills, and is present on all facades.

The main floor interior was left largely in tact and the simple palette of hardwood floors, wood trims, and off-white walls was continued throughout the new second floor and serves as a neutral backdrop for the client’s art collection. The result is a warm interior punctuated by colour, and an intense play of light generated by the screen.

A new steel stair unites the two floors, and the solid wood treads match the recycled fir flooring which is used throughout the second floor. New millwork is constructed from a mixture of Appleply and Plyboo bamboo plywood. The millwork in the ensuite has Paperstone (recycled paper) on the counter and tub tops, while the walls are clad in blue back-painted glass. A composite recycled tile is used on the floor and shower walls to complete the palette.

The Screen House by Randy Bens