Natural Approach. Johnson Chou illuminates the Toronto skyline LUXURY HOME CANADA. meticulously chic Augusta Fine Custom Homes

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1 N ọ 3 spring 2012 $12.99 US / $12.44 CA LUXURY HOME CANADA Natural Approach Johnson Chou illuminates the Toronto skyline textural balance Fleur-de-lis Interior Design Inc. / meticulously chic Augusta Fine Custom Homes

2 ARCHITECTs West Coast Modern Nature ReignS with vancouver s mason kent Design inc. Story Kimberly Nichols Photos Stacy Thomas 152 luxury home CANADA spring 2012 lhcanada.com

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5 01 The sitting area has a refined coziness to it, with a fluffy rug, plush seating and fireplace 02 The kitchen window looks out onto the home s front yard comprised of trees, boulders and a man-made pond Mason Kent is a modest man, one who is uncomfortable articulating the inherent and intuitive processes he implements while creating dream homes for his clients. If it were up to him, he would personally buy up land and build houses like the kid in the sandbox who passionately concocts visions from his own mind on the playground. But when prodded a bit, he admits that it was the drawings and models of West Vancouver s modern homes that he played with as a young boy that remain his lifelong mental companions and sources of perpetual inspiration. I grew up in the fifties when local modernism was in its very early stages, he says. My parents were both professional musicians and I was exposed to artistic rather than traditional offerings in my cultural upbringing. I fell in love with the architectural drawings in the magazines that my parents were drawn to and they remained with me. People like Frank Lloyd Wright, Arthur Ericson and Fred Hollingsworth were my early heroes. Today, as the single-handed visionary of his company Mason Kent Design, Inc., he has become known for his one-on-one mentality with clients who appreciate the same things he does, as well as the collaborative methods of seeing those mutual dreams come to fruition. Over 100 homes throughout the North Shore have his signature stamped upon them. The recent 4973 Water Lane Residence is a good example of this. Both Kent and his clients fell in love with the coastal location where topography including the lush trees, rudimentary rocks, and curvaceous land begs to remain undisturbed while laying the groundwork for a significant architectural gem. spring 2012 luxury home CANADA 155

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7 06 05 ARCHITECTs One aspect of modernism that has always particularly led my design direction is the fact that the most successful homes should be built in concordance with the nature that pre-exists in the space, explains Kent. This combination can be seen in the home s welcoming façade, which wraps around a massive boulder grouping that acts as both entry to the home and cornerstone of the impeccably designed property. A long open corridor, from which all of the clean-lined spaces are strategically placed to garner different views of the ever-present rocks, connects the main floor of the home. Dark grey slate throughout mirrors the colour and texture of the external stone landmark. A reflecting pond on the top of the formation can be seen from within the kitchen bringing the element of water to the forefront of the home s already peaceful atmosphere. 03 The large kitchen and dining area has metallic accents against birch wood panels 04 The kitchen allows for impressive views of the open patio and fire pit outside 05 An outdoor dining area mirrors the natural setting that surrounds it Dramatic moments weave the interior and exterior of the home together, like the chocolate brown jutting and linear eave that creates an outdoor patio, upon which key moments in the landscape lend a calming perspective conducive to reflection. Large skylights placed generously within the home perpetuate this marriage of indoor and outdoor allowing natural light to filter throughout in concert with large windows and eclipse doors. White oak hardwood adorns the staircase and upper level floors so that a sense of lightness accompanies the ascension toward the elevated environs. spring 2012 luxury home CANADA 157

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10 The home s exterior looks as though it were built into a mountain, with rocks and lush foliage scattered throughout 07 An alternate view of the sitting area shows windows that look out into the front yard 08 The sleekness of the bathroom is made complete with window views to the backyard and a skylight An undisturbed flow of the home was also considered when choosing sleek, non-obtrusive appliances and features such as natural gas direct vent Kingsman fireplaces with clean view circulating kits. Although it was a consideration, the resulting serenity and presence of this house was something that came as a nice surprise, an end note to my plans, says Kent. This exquisitely refined, modern residence erected around a sublime moment of nature bespeaks a true glimpse of the subtle and elusive designer s key characteristics. a message from Clarence Debelle It is with great pleasure that I listed this magnificent contemporary residence! Mason Kent and the owners, collaborated their thoughts and wishes, to produce an absolutely exceptional modern home, located on a large, sunny, meticulously landscaped lot. Without fail, each and every buyer who came to visit the home, commented on its serene beauty, and the elegant balance between the home, the lot and the setting. From the street, the structure, gardens, and waterfall are poetically graceful, and from within, the floor plan, and attention to design and quality, with an emphasis on indoor/outdoor living, offer an elegant yet functional living space. I look forward to having the opportunity to represent another equally exquisite home. 160 luxury home CANADA spring 2012 lhcanada.com

11 Specializing in Negotiating and Closing Real Estate Transactions for Buyers and Sellers Park Lane, Altamont, West Vancouver - $12,800,000 Exquisite high banked water front home, on one of West Vancouver s most prestigious streets, with a spectacular 270 panoramic city/ocean view, only a 10 minute walk to Dundarave Village, with its fine shopping & restaurants 730 Andover Cr., British Properties, West Vancouver - $6,988,000 Magnificent custom designed residence, with spectacular Downtown & Lions Gate view. Every aspect of this stunning home is custom built, from hand painted ceilings & murals, to running water fall, swooping staircase, large Gourmet kitchen, and billiard room befitting a grand hotel. Truly an amazing home 6269 St. Georges Cr., Gleneagles, West Vancouver - $8,988,000 Spectacular residence with panoramic ocean & mountain views! This magnificent 10,000 ft 2 home, with picture windows throughout, offers an amazing view from virtually every room. With its oversized rooms and an additional 5,000 ft 2 of outdoor decks & patios, this is an incredible home for entertaining family and friends Pasco Road, Howe Sound, West Vancouver - $7,200,000 Stunning waterfront retreat! This spectacular residence, located on a.8 acre lot with 115 ft of waterfront frontage and a 1,400 ft 2 dock, offers an incomparable west coast life style. Walk through the two solid fir doors and you are greeted by massive wooden beams, blue slate floors, and floor-to-ceiling stone fireplaces, all overlooking one of the most stunning of all possible views! PROFESSIONAL, ATTENTIVE, DEDICATED TO YOUR SUCCESS!