Design Specialist: Iván Meade | Photographed by Joshua Lawrence

When Leonard Cole of Urban Core Ventures designed what would become one of Rockland’s most stunning contemporary homes, his goal was to embrace striking architectural details to create a dwelling with enduring appeal — a home full of light and airiness that evokes a luxurious sense of serenity.

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That ambience is apparent from the moment you approach the home through a Zen-like landscape defined by floating blocks of concrete, which delineate two L-shaped fish ponds. It carries through the front door, with its L-shaped glass insert and dramatic alcove, and sets the tone for the rest of the five-bedroom home. To achieve a sense of openness, Cole designed an eye-catching two-storey floating staircase and a floating kitchen island built using a one-sided support. The island’s design once again echoes the repeating “L” shape, which gives the home a strong sense of design continuity.

The simplicity of the design is reinforced by an alternating use of light and dark, providing visual counterbalance. In the living and dining areas on the main floor, the drama of grand rift-cut oak features and polished concrete floors plays against white accents. The home’s open-concept takes full advantage of the natural light granted by its southern exposure, not to mention the stunning views of the Olympics and the ocean. An enduring vista for a timeless house.

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Modern details, like the Big Bang Chandelier by Foscarini over the table and the Bocci pendant lights over the floating island, add to the space’s contemporary feel. The minimalist palette accents the simplicity of the house’s design. A large wooden console with the wine fridge and bar acts as a structural element; and also contains a hidden pantry and the coat closet.
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The chandelier in the walk-in closet reflects off the ceiling, radiating light into the airy master bedroom with its floating bed and grand windows. The second-floor deck overlooks the spectacular pool.
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A 16-foot-wide by 10-foot-tall folding door off the living area allows social gatherings to spill outside, and opens to an infinity hot tub and below-ground pool. Two floating staircases frame the waterfall. Illuminated glass tiles on the deck pick up the pattern done in tile at the bottom of the pool.
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The design of the house hinged on maximizing the vista from the rooftop deck, which is further enhanced by the glass railing. From a seated position, other rooftops can’t be seen — only the green of the trees, the blue of the water, and the grey of the mountains; and these colours are pulled into the decor. To optimize outdoor living, there is a complete outdoor kitchen and dining area.
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The ensuite bathroom is open to the bedroom and features a shower with 11-foot glass panels, a soaker tub, and a double-sided fireplace. The floating vanity and large windows add a feeling of spaciousness.
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The hidden media room, with its 16-foot concave projection screen, is accessed through a sliding built-in bookshelf in the basement. Touches of orange in the decor and custom pool table add vibrancy to this windowless space.