The expansive garden harmonises with the equestrian environment and the broader landscape context
Cover Paul Sangha Creative drew inspiration from the Japanese approach of grounding a house within its landscape
The expansive garden harmonises with the equestrian environment and the broader landscape context

How landscape architect Paul Sangha blends contemporary design with nature in this luxurious family residence in Vancouver

In Southlands, the prestigious equestrian community in Vancouver, Canada, a remarkable residence owned by Canadian-born couple Kelly Suffron and Aaron fuses modern country house style with thoughtful contemporary elegance that melds with its lush surroundings.

The property, constructed by Gateway Architecture, features a main residence and a barn, both fitted with pitched roofs, large stone cladding, and expansive windows. The three bedrooms and bathrooms, and laundry room upstairs make for a comfortable and private living space for the family of five.

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The main residence with pitched roofs, large stone cladding, and expansive windows
Above The main residence with pitched roofs, large stone cladding, and expansive windows
The main residence with pitched roofs, large stone cladding, and expansive windows

Meanwhile, an open floor plan spreads across the main floor comprising spacious family and living rooms that are connected to the outdoor deck with lounges with bars, kitchens and a welcoming fire pits–ideal spaces catering to the homeowners’ frequent gatherings and entertaining with family and friends throughout the year.

“Initially desiring a short-term move abroad, an unexpected property opportunity arose, fulfilling our dream for spaciousness in Vancouver, and to provide our three children with ample space for playing their sports,” remembers Suffron, who was in charge of the interior design for her full-time home that she describes as “evoking a ‘Tom Ford in the Country’ aesthetic.”

See also: Home tour: An experimental house in Canada that pushes material boundaries

Inside Out

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Photo 1 of 2 The expansive garden harmonises with the equestrian environment and the broader landscape context
Photo 2 of 2 A fluid connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces
The expansive garden harmonises with the equestrian environment and the broader landscape context
A fluid connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces
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The visually striking concrete stairs with a floating effect
Above The visually striking concrete stairs with a floating effect
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Views of the garden through the 20-foot high corner windows
Above Views of the garden through the 20-foot high corner windows
The visually striking concrete stairs with a floating effect
Views of the garden through the 20-foot high corner windows

While Suffron’s cherished personal passion project included elevating the home’s main level by three metres for flood control, it did not deter Paul Sangha Creative to craft a fluid connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces.

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“We had to carefully consider how to bring the landscape up to the house in a way that was effortless and harmonious,” recalls Paul Sangha, Principal Landscape Architect and founder of Paul Sangha Creative; whose team spent a year crafting landscape concepts alongside the evolving house design, ensuring a cohesive vision throughout the process.

“We drew inspiration from the Japanese approach of grounding a house within its landscape,” he continues. “Given that the house was positioned significantly higher than the neighbouring ground, we aimed for a lighter feel, and ensured it didn’t become an overwhelming base.”

Secret Garden

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Multiple layers of species that create visual interest through foliage texture
Above Multiple layers of species that create visual interest through foliage texture
Multiple layers of species that create visual interest through foliage texture

Through the property’s expansive windows, including the 20-foot high corner windows, the view of the expansive garden beckons: from the evergreen trees along the perimeter structured for privacy; to the multiple layers of species that create visual interest through both foliage texture and seasonal colour.

“Our objective was to harmonise with the equestrian environment and the broader landscape context,” Sangha elaborates. “As we move further into the property, we transition to deciduous trees like Dogwoods and Catalpas, enhancing the layering effect within the property while also permitting winter light to filter through.”

Read more: Home tour: A nautical-themed home in Vancouver, Canada for a family of eight

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Wood decking with a carpet-like effect for the outdoor spaces
Above Wood decking with a carpet-like effect for the outdoor spaces
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Carefully placed sculptures next to water elements of the pools
Above Carefully placed sculptures next to water elements of the pools
Wood decking with a carpet-like effect for the outdoor spaces
Carefully placed sculptures next to water elements of the pools

These characteristic foliage stands out against material choices for the exterior of the home that lean towards simplicity

The adaptability and flexibility of concrete plays a central role in moulding not only many durable surfaces, but also offering the advantage of creating broad, visually striking stairs with a floating effect, allowing for a seamless transition from the house to the surrounding landscape. 

Whereas, wood decking creates a carpet-like effect for the various outdoor spaces, as uniform glass tiles provide a delightful splash of colour while maintaining a serene, reflective quality to the water elements of the pools next to carefully placed sculptures, to which Suffron’s husband showcases an exquisite appreciation for.

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Ground-oriented illumination accentuates the garden with a peaceful and tranquil ambiance
Above Ground-oriented illumination accentuates the garden with a peaceful and tranquil ambiance
Ground-oriented illumination accentuates the garden with a peaceful and tranquil ambiance

Strategically placed lighting then contributes to the harmonious fusion architecture and landscape, emphasising ground-oriented illumination to imbue the garden and accentuates the sculptural elements with a peaceful and tranquil ambiance.

“By focusing on fluidity in terms of movement through the garden, and a sense of seamless connection between indoors and outdoors, we create special moments throughout the garden that capture that sense of place, and ensure that the paths connecting these moments are diverse and full of vitality,” Sangha further reveals. “As you move into the garden, and travel back out, no experience is exactly the same.”

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Inner Beauty

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Photo 1 of 3 The velvet green custom sunken sofa complements the verdant palette from the outside
Photo 2 of 3 Julie Mehetru’s large pair pieces add character and depth to the sunken living room
Photo 3 of 3 Subdued backdrop allows creative expression through the furnishing and decors
The velvet green custom sunken sofa complements the verdant palette from the outside
Julie Mehetru’s large pair pieces add character and depth to the sunken living room
Subdued backdrop allows creative expression through the furnishing and decors

Playing off Sangha’s curated precision outdoors, Suffron mirrors the same meticulousness for the interiors that blend modern finishes, functionality, and artistic touches

“Inspiration for my home comes from diverse sources like movies, fashion, travels, and cultural interpretations,” explains Suffron, who balances motherhood with one or two design projects annually.

Read more: How this famous architect takes inspiration from films for his furniture designs

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Photo 1 of 2 A Jeff Koons artwork in the dining room
Photo 2 of 2 Sun-drenched with uninterrupted views of the garden
A Jeff Koons artwork in the dining room
Sun-drenched with uninterrupted views of the garden

Juxtaposing the simple and monochromatic split-faced granite stone in the exterior are millwork-clad walls on the main floor. The softer colours and textures add warmth and create a subdued backdrop allowing for creative expression through the furnishing and decors; whilst the concrete flooring provides a modern edge to the large exterior stone cladding and expansive windows.

“I cherish integrating these moments into my design, embracing new opportunities and the unexpected yin-and-yang aspect,” the interior designer adds.

See also: Home tour: An artistic Vancouver apartment with amazing sea views

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Photo 1 of 2 The sleek monochromatic kitchen
Photo 2 of 2 Natural stone and decorative lighting from Lightform
The sleek monochromatic kitchen
Natural stone and decorative lighting from Lightform

While natural marble and stones decorate countertops and fireplace surrounds, as well as imbuing sleekness into the primary ensuite floor and walls, the home showcases an impressive collection of contemporary art: David LaChapelle’s above the fireplace in the main bedroom, and Jeff Koons’ in the dining room. 

Julie Mehetru’s large pair pieces add character and depth to the sunken living room, where a velvet green custom sunken sofa by WD Western Designers complements the verdant palette from the outside.

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A David LaChapelle above the fireplace in the main bedroom
Above A David LaChapelle above the fireplace in the main bedroom
A David LaChapelle above the fireplace in the main bedroom
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A mix of modern finishes and artistic touches
Above A mix of modern finishes and artistic touches
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Interiors that play off the curated precision outdoors
Above Interiors that play off the curated outdoors
A mix of modern finishes and artistic touches
Interiors that play off the curated precision outdoors

“Suffron and her husband are repeat clients with whom we’ve enjoyed a fruitful collaboration in the past,” concludes Sangha. “[Knowing that] Suffron possesses a remarkable creative vision, our existing collaboration gives us a distinctive edge, leveraging our established history to create something truly exceptional.”

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Ema Peter

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