Perched high on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this 1,000-square-foot home on Bowen Island is a masterclass in blending architecture, sustainability, and nature. Built by our team at Alair Squamish and designed by GNAR Inc., it sits on just over a third of an acre, private, peaceful, and perfectly in tune with its West Coast surroundings.
“This project has definitely been one of the most unique builds I’ve been a part of,” says Alair’s Squamish partner Jason Zavitz. “From its proximity to the ocean and the materials used, to the passion the clients brought to every decision, it was clear this home was going to be something special.”
Architecture Rooted in the Landscape
Nestled into the side of a steep cliff, the home feels both protected and connected to the land. Designer Mark Kavanagh drew inspiration from Indigenous pit houses – structures built partially below ground and covered with earth for insulation and camouflage.
“Over time, the earth on those roofs would sprout and the home would appear to be part of the landscape,” says Mark. “That idea guided this design, sinking the home into the site and covering it with a green roof so it’s almost invisible from the road above.”
In mid-summer, the golden tones of the living roof mirror the dry grasses and evergreens that surround it, helping the home virtually disappear into its environment. But achieving that harmony required careful planning.
“You can’t just add a green roof,” Jason adds. “It takes extensive engineering and the right materials to ensure everything underneath is protected.”
Beauty Built to Last
The home’s exterior is clad in thermally modified hemlock and ash. The materials were treated with heat instead of chemicals to increase strength, durability, and resistance to decay. The result is a warm, natural finish that’s both sustainable and low-maintenance.
Inside, the home’s striking geometry is impossible to miss. Sharp rooflines and deep overhangs are not just design features but functional choices—shielding the home from prevailing winds and summer sun while inviting winter light.
“You’ll notice this isn’t a box,” says Jason. “Every pitch and angle was custom. Nothing about this build was standard.”
Eye-catching Interiors
High, angular ceilings create an open, airy feel in the great room, while wide-plank oak floors add coastal warmth. The galley-style kitchen features real wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, and a Viking range, perfect for homeowners who love to cook.
Large triple-pane windows and double sliding doors flood the space with natural light and open onto the expansive deck, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor flow that captures ocean views from nearly every angle.
Maximizing a Small Footprint
Heading up a short flight of waterfall stairs, the home divides into two wings. The primary suite offers panoramic views through asymmetric windows. The spa-inspired bathroom features blue geometric tiles that extend beyond the shower for added visual depth.
The second bedroom, currently used as an office, features a smaller bathroom with cheerful yellow and grey honeycomb tiles, a creative way to brighten the compact space.
Grounded in Sustainability
Sustainability was a key focus throughout the build. A STUV fireplace provides supplemental heat in the cooler months, while solar panels on the carport support the home’s energy needs. Even the water system is thoughtfully engineered. It’s drawn from a mountaintop lake and filtered through a custom on-site treatment plant.
A Garden That Moves With the Seasons
The landscape design was integral to the overall vision from the beginning. Landscape designer Katie drew inspiration from renowned Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf, whose approach balances structure and spontaneity.
“Oudolf’s gardens feel alive and natural, yet intentional,” Katie says. “We wanted that same meandering, textural feeling—like walking through a patchwork of plants that shifts with the seasons.”
Because the home shares its setting with Bowen Island’s resident deer, plant selection was carefully considered. Grasses and hardy perennials were chosen for their beauty and resilience.
Over 40 granite slab stairs wind down through this lush landscape to a generous oceanfront deck—larger than the home itself. It’s a place designed for connection, where sea air, sunshine, and stillness take centre stage.
A Special Project in a Special Place
“Opportunities to build projects like this don’t come around every day,” says Jason. “From the location to the design to the clients, it’s been an incredibly rewarding experience.”
Thoughtful, energy-efficient, and seamlessly integrated into its surroundings, this Bowen Island home is more than a place to live, it’s an experience. A modern retreat that celebrates design, craftsmanship, and the wild beauty of the West Coast.
To see more of this beautiful home, check out our Alair Home Tour. And to see more photos, visit our Bowen Island project page.
