Modern kitchen with dark wood island, white cabinets, and a marble backsplash. Overhead lighting highlights the space. An upstairs balcony with a railing is visible. The floor features a warm, brown herringbone pattern.

Kitsilano Heritage Home Transformed into a Three-Unit Conversion 

ByKerr Design Build

Just down from the Vancouver Yacht Club, a remarkable transformation story unfolded over the last five years, exemplifying the delicate balance between preserving heritage, embracing modern living and expanding living space in Vancouver.

Kerr Design Build designed and then built a comprehensive renovation of a class C heritage house on Point Grey Road, originally a duplex, into a three-unit, modern multiple conversion dwelling (MCD). The project is a testament to our design and construction teams’ architectural ingenuity, patience, and dedication to preserving historical integrity while meeting contemporary needs.

Genesis of transformation

The project started with a clear vision from the owners: to restore and revitalize their rundown heritage house into a functional, modern living space. Their aspirations were twofold – to maintain the property’s historical essence and adapt its internal configuration to enhance utility and comfort. Adding a rentable unit in the basement was envisioned to offset the renovation costs, underpinning the project with a pragmatic approach to heritage preservation and providing much-needed housing for the city.

Design challenges and solutions

The design phase, spanning over three and a half years, was marked by meticulous planning and continuous revisions by our senior designer, Steven Butler. 

The endeavour to integrate a new, rentable unit while adhering to stringent heritage and zoning regulations presented a unique set of challenges. Navigating these complexities required Steven to undertake numerous engagements with the city’s planning and heritage departments, leading to innovative solutions that balanced regulatory compliance with the owners’ vision.

  • Aerial view of a navy blue and white house with a flat roof featuring skylights. The house is nestled between two other homes, with trees in the background. A spiral staircase is attached to the rear of the building, leading to the roof.
  • Blue Craftsman-style house with a front porch, white trim, and gabled roof. A staircase with white railings leads to the porch. Surrounded by trees and shrubs, the home has a warm, welcoming appearance.
  • A bright, empty room with light wood chevron flooring and beige walls. Features include a white fireplace with decorative candles and flowers, a window with stained glass panels, and a modern chandelier hanging from the ceiling.
  • Modern kitchen with dark wood island, white cabinets, and a marble backsplash. Overhead lighting highlights the space. An upstairs balcony with a railing is visible. The floor features a warm, brown herringbone pattern.
  • A modern home elevator with wooden interior and metal handrails is open on the ground floor. It is surrounded by cream walls and wainscoting. The adjacent area features a wooden floor and a glimpse of a kitchen in the background.
  • Modern kitchen with white cabinets and a wooden floor. Features a hexagonal tile backsplash, stainless steel oven, and stovetop. A large white island with a vase of red-leafed branches is in the foreground. Bright, overhead lighting illuminates the space.
  • A modern kitchen with light gray cabinets, marble countertops, and a gas stove. A cutting board, a loaf of bread on a towel, and a bowl of red apples are on the counter. The floor features a light wood herringbone pattern.
  • A modern kitchen with white cabinets, a built-in oven, and a stove. The backsplash features a gold geometric pattern. Wooden cutting boards and a potted plant are on the counter. The floor has a warm wooden finish.
  • Elegant bathroom with a freestanding clawfoot tub, ornate brass fixtures, and a glass-enclosed shower. Marble walls and floors, a vanity with a sink, a decorative rug, and a window with natural light enhance the space.
  • A modern bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower and bathtub, tiled in gray marble. The floor features patterned blue and white tiles. Theres a white sink, a toilet, and a wall-mounted towel rack with white towels next to a small window.
  • A modern kitchen corner with light grey cabinets, a stainless steel fridge, and a white marble countertop and backsplash. Theres a framed photo and small plant on the counter, and a striped towel hangs by the sink.
  • A bright, modern bathroom with white walls and a marble-patterned floor. It features a glass shower enclosure, a white vanity with a mirror, brass fixtures, and a small plant on the counter for decoration.
  • A modern bathroom features a glass-enclosed shower with gold fixtures and gray marble walls. A towel hangs on a gold rail beside it. To the right, theres a white vanity with a sink, mirror, and flowers. The walls are light-colored.
  • Modern bathroom with a white vanity and sink, large mirror, and overhead lighting. A toilet is next to a glass-enclosed bathtub. Beige tiles cover the floor and part of the walls. A towel and potted plant are on display.
  • Modern bathroom with a round gold mirror hanging above a small vanity with a glass vessel sink and a gold faucet. A towel is draped on a gold holder. The toilet and a hexagonal tile floor are visible. Door with a silver handle is in the background.

One of the project’s triumphs was securing approval for the third unit, a feat achieved through strategic negotiations that leveraged the restoration of heritage elements in exchange for zoning relaxations. This negotiation underscored the project’s commitment to enhancing the property’s value without compromising its historical significance.

Overcoming construction hurdles

The construction phase unveiled the tangible complexities of bringing architectural designs to life, especially within the confines of a heritage property. 

Our design and construction teams handled unforeseen challenges over the course of the project.  

City oversights and on-the-fly adjustments were needed, which underscored the dynamic nature of such renovations. These hurdles necessitated minor amendments to permits and applications, highlighting the importance of flexibility and adaptive problem-solving in heritage conservation projects.

Culmination of efforts

As the project neared completion, the emphasis on quality and attention to detail became increasingly apparent. Beyond the structural and regulatory accomplishments, the renovation prioritized aesthetic excellence and functionality. 

Integrating modern amenities, such as an elevator and off-street parking, alongside restoring heritage features, illustrates a harmonious blend of past and present.

Now completed, the home fits seamlessly into its heritage neighbourhood. Yet, underneath its hood, it is a modern, custom home with three separate exquisite living spaces.

The clients are very happy with the result.

Project insights

This renovation project stands as a beacon for similar heritage conversion endeavours, offering valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of such undertakings. It demonstrates that with determination, expertise, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving, it is possible to breathe new life into historic properties and help provide more housing for the city.

Inspired by the seamless fusion of heritage charm and modern functionality in our Point Grey renovation project? To get started, give us a call at 604-263-0343 or use our online form.