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This Contemporary B.C. Vacation Home Celebrates Sustainability & Reclaimed Materials
Photography by Eymeric Widling
House Tours
This Contemporary B.C. Vacation Home Celebrates Sustainability & Reclaimed Materials
Behind its sleek and modern style is a home rooted in environmental connection.
These days, finding clever ways to infuse enduring and sustainable design choices is front of mind for designers. This was key for the owners of this Invermere, B.C., home; the lakeside abode features 48 discreet solar panels, local furnishings, natural fabrics, and carbon-neutral materials.
Despite the allure of its eco-friendly fixtures, the star of the vacation home arguably took root in one specific element: reclaimed wood from rail-car planks. “The overall goal was to highlight the quality of the materials and their natural beauty,” says Karen Attwell, principal designer and creative director at Form Interiors in Calgary, Alta.
The blend of old-meets-new is thematic throughout the house. Refurbished materials given a second life and contemporary design intermingling with mountain and lake views abound.
“Often when people think of nature, they see the simplicity,” says Attwell. “We enjoyed the challenge of showcasing the drama that is also present.”
Photography by Eymeric Widling
The eco-friendly furnishings start from the outside in. The dramatic walls at both ends of the home are framed in triple pane Low E Argon windows, an energy-efficient style that keeps the home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
The interior lighting is LED and contains recycled and locally-made fixtures, and the exterior lighting adheres to dark sky principles that protect against light pollution.
Photography by Eymeric Widling
The homeowners originally brought forward the idea of using the reclaimed wood in the dining table, which looks out over Lake Windermere. “We loved the casual styling of the material and wanted to repeat its use in a few key places so that it flowed and looked purposeful,” says Attwell.
With a bold grain, the wood had a lot of “personality,” she says. It was also used in a custom entry bench in the front hall and as a waterfall countertop in the living room. Keeping the form and shape of the material unadorned allowed it to shine all on its own.
Photography by Eymeric Widling
In the bedrooms, a soothing earthy palette with natural bedding plays on the home’s indoor-outdoor style. The primary, with its breathtaking views and soaring ceiling, is fitted with a spacious walk-in closet.
Its adjoining ensuite is modern yet calming. Carbon-neutral, recycled clay body tiles are stacked vertically along the walls, while a frameless round mirror reflects light from the bright windows.
Photography by Eymeric Widling
When it’s time to host visitors, this room has all the sleeping space the homeowners could dream of.
“Turning the top bunks avoids creating a cave-like environment for the occupants of the lower bunks,” says Attwell. “The opposite side of the room features a custom millwork locker to provide personal storage for each guest.”
Drawers are integrated into the bed platform, and wired cubbies and ledges were designed as a headboard for each bed.
Photography by Eymeric Widling
The open-concept living area with a backyard walk-out is perfecting for entertaining and unwinding.
“We wanted to deepen this connection [to the outdoors] with material selections inspired by a neutral palette of warm greys, the natural elements of rift-cut white oak and stone as well as the dramatic patterns you encounter in nature,” says Attwell.
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