A single family home in the sky with a California vibe and cashmere rugs. This Richards Street penthouse has all the luxury and high tech features you can think of, wrapped up in a relaxed and inviting space. "It’s the perfect serene getaway in the heart of the city,” says designer Kristen Alexander.
The design consultant, of studio b in Toronto, used video conferencing, phone calls and flights to Vancouver so she could select the furniture, fabrics and finishings alongside the owners. Alexander works with sought after furniture brands around the world to find the right pieces for every property.
“I love the history behind furniture design, and how these inspirations are seen in pieces that are created today,” she says.
The Penthouse at TELUS Garden, 53 floors above the corner of Richards and West Georgia Streets, boasts 3,900 square feet of indoor space and is covered in custom wood paneling. The symmetrical furniture compliments the layout of the space.
"The layout was done to respect the view because you have such amazing views everywhere from the living room and the dining room,” says Alexander.
The modern, minimalist marble-encased kitchen is another reminder the home is meant to be shared with friends. “It is an entertainer’s dream,” says realtor Shawn Anderson of Engels & Volkers.
“There is a second entrance to the kitchen for the catering staff so they can come and go through the front door seamlessly.” Anderson points out the Spiro piano by Steinway, which sits elegantly in the living room, “The Spirio plays performances captured by great pianists, and sounds like a live performance.”
“It’s one of the first things you see when you enter the five level penthouse, with 11 ft ceilings and full glass windows, offering unobstructed views of Vancouver.”
“Floor to ceiling sliding glass walls seamlessly open up indoor spaces to the outdoors,” says Anderson.
The property, which was designed by Henriquez Partners Architects, has a commanding glass office elevated above the main living area. The focal point of the office is the Holly Hunt scribe desk, inspired by the furniture designer’s love of Chicago architecture.
“It is classically minimal and composed of wood, metal and leather,” Alexander says. "Each piece has to look great from every angle because you're not hiding the back of the desk against the wall. Every angle has to be beautiful and the pieces are finished on all sides,” says Alexander.
There are five outdoor patios, including a 780 square foot rooftop patio with panoramic views of the downtown peninsula, harbour, and North Shore mountains, a spectacular backdrop for a summer evening soiree.
“The thing that sets this penthouse apart from others is the roof deck, the view and the exclusivity,” explains Anderson, “it also comes with multiple fire pits and a wet bar.”
At the end of each day, the master bedroom, one of three bedrooms, provides a quiet sanctuary and has been outfitted with external roller shutters. That means at the touch of a button, the sights and sounds of Vancouver are replaced with a dark room, devoid of all sound.
“The city glows and it has a hum that never stops, unless you want it to,” quips Anderson.
All the lighting, music, blinds, televisions, air conditioning, heating, and home security can all be controlled by “a few taps” on the Creston home automation system so the house shuts down, or comes alive whenever you like.
