03/06/2026
Taking a moment to revisit this Duplex renovation by Alair Vancouver that was recently featured in magazine!
This Vancouver duplex included extensive millwork in the kitchen and dining room, creating a cozy, cabin-like feel with practical, playful storage surprises, cleverly maximizing a small living space.
Due to proximity to the living room, the presence of the kitchen was de-emphasized through design details. Upper cabinets of uniform height integrated and concealed the hood fan. Electric cooktop, panel-hidden fridge and dishwasher all help create seamless sightlines and cohesion. The kitchen island, featuring furniture linoleum face, creates further streamlined the effect. The raised island bar area obscures sightlines to the back counter, subtly concealing stainless steel kitchen counter from the front room and street.
The renovation minimized waste, utilized design-for-deconstruction detailing and considered indoor air quality with low-emitting finishes.
Canadian-made triple pane windows and locally manufactured energy efficient custom doors increased efficiency of the home. Materials were screened for toxins such as PFAS (forever chemicals) and silicosis-causing engineered stone was ruled out in consideration of worker safety. Green, durable materials are represented through oak floor, clay walls and cabinetry materials of Paperstone, stainless steel, porcelain, solid birch, solid oak and furniture linoleum.
