The Outback
Triple Bar Construction treads lightly and beautifully in Tofino, where the rainforest still reigns supreme.
Ahome that not only reflects but evokes its setting, it offers a unique yet modest vision of custom design with enormous appeal. Intimately placed upon its treed lot, it treads lightly in Tofino where shared values impart a more naturalized view of hearth and home.
Building the very best homes for some of the world’s most discerning people on the west coast, Triple Bar Construction sees the process from the client’s perspective. “They had camped in Tofino for years and were ready to build their vacation home,” recalls Project Manager of Triple Bar Construction, Brad Johnson. “They knew what it meant to belong to that community and with the help of Scott & Scott Architecture in Vancouver, designed a very minimalist home with an organic feel that would blend well with its setting. We were careful to save many trees in the build, alot more than would be typically spared during construction.”
The style of the home complements the property and was designed to fade into the forest. “It blends right into the trees and was intended to function as a beach house where once you return from surfing, you can enjoy the outdoor shower and nestle right into the covered breezeway with its wood-burning fireplace,” shares Johnson.
A two-story home with a separate independent suite, the half-acre lot is secluded and embraces its own intimacy with nature. An extensive stairway was also built above the rain forest, leading to a hot tub with sitting areas. “The lot is 300 feet deep and the back 200 feet is a conservation area,” shares the homeowner. “We could not build a permanent structure, but we could construct walkways and platforms throughout for low-impact living that would still make the backyard usable and fun,” he adds of a home that could be best experienced from the outside.
Working with the architect, the homeowners appreciated their use of common materials to create an honest aesthetic. “While others rely on expensive finishes, I personally prefer a design that does a lot with a little, which worked well within our budget,” admits the homeowner, who recognized Triple Bar Construction for their body of work in Tofino and their excellent reputation as a builder of merit.
National award winners for Best Custom Home in 2009, 2011, and 2012, Triple Bar’s extensive construction experience, strong and clear communications, and level of professionalism have been the hallmarks of their success in creating some of the most exceptional homes to grace the shores of Vancouver and the Gulf Islands.
Carefully following the design that displays untreated plywood walls and ceilings with unabashed flair, Brad Johnson notes that the home was completed ahead of schedule. “The clients knew what they wanted and stuck to their vision, which made for a smooth build that all could enjoy,” adds Johnson who began his career in the industry in 1982. “This house is one of the most pleasing to the community with limited disruption to the environment and its low profile façade. I like the covered breezeway as it offers a really nice refuge where one can be outdoors and still stay dry as it rains a lot in Tofino.”
“The entire experience of working with Triple Bar Construction was amazing as they knew where to invest our capital and where to save it,” commends the homeowner. “It was a dream team with our architect and it was all smooth sailing.”