In a world increasingly marked by climate change, architect Cedric Burgers and his wife, interior designer Mary Burgers, have designed an efficient and sustainable home with their daughters' future in mind, without overlooking architecture and design.

In West Vancouver, Canada, next to the Nelson Residence “there is a unique creek that acts as a green corridor for wildlife. Its lush vegetation also provides privacy and cooling” explains Mary. “Preserving the site’s natural condition was integral and necessary to begin the design process and permitting”.

The concept for this property came about after a joint reflection between the couple: “What would it look like if we built something time-proof that also addressed a lot of the issues our kids could face in their lifetime such as climate change and sustainability?” remembers the designer and creative director of Burgers Architecture. For Cedric and Mary, as well as being net-zero, the house needed to be family-friendly, cosy and aesthetically pleasing.

For the couple, it was essential that the property had a connection to nature and the lush landscape in which it is located. “The rooms have living, growing green spaces as backdrops, natural ‘art installations’ all year round” explains Mary. The designers kept the interiors simple, with a neutral colour palette and concrete and oak floors.

Designed to receive guests, the main floor features fluidity between spaces. At first glance, it looks like an open space, but each room has been designed for separate experiences. Behind the oak library, there is an office with a privileged view over nature. The dining room, separated from the kitchen, is the ideal setting for more intimate, quiet dinners. These spaces, together with the living room, provide access to the outdoor patio and the solar-heated swimming pool.

The bedrooms with en suite bathrooms are located on the upper floor of the house. On the lower level, there is a secondary suite and some storage spaces. Although the connection to nature is not as immediate as on the main floor, these levels provide private and peaceful spaces with large windows in every room.

With this project, Cedric and Mary wanted to understand how far they could go with sustainable design without compromising the beauty or contemporary aesthetic of the West Coast, which they hold so dear. “The home has served as a catalyst for both architectural practice and sustainable building practices in West Vancouver,” says the interior designer.