A Modern Farmhouse Oasis Rooted in Landscape and Light
Surrounded by lush planting and thoughtful landscaping, this modern farmhouse in North Vancouver, Canada, is designed as a true green oasis. The project brings together a main residence, a fully equipped pool house and a greenhouse, all set within a carefully curated landscape that encourages connection — both with nature and the surrounding community.
Designed by HB Design with landscaping by Donohoe Living Landscapes, the home balances warmth and functionality with contemporary elegance. Layered natural materials, tactile finishes and decorative lighting shape interiors that feel cosy yet refined, while large openings blur the boundaries between inside and outside.
A Home Shaped by its Landscape
The project began by merging two neighbouring sites to create a cohesive property where architecture and landscape work as one. The main residence and pool house are positioned so that the garden becomes the connective thread between them — transforming the outdoor spaces into both a private retreat and a place for gathering.
Landscape designer Ryan Donohoe explains the philosophy behind the approach: “I've always believed that this balance of hardscape (patios, paths, walls) and softscape (plants, lawns, trees) is critical to achieving a state of connection to nature — essential to come down from the busyness of modern living.”
Throughout the property, carefully composed pathways, terraces and planting beds are balanced with lawns and layered greenery. While the hardscape elements are precisely designed, the planting is intended to evolve naturally over time, forming protective layers of trees, shrubs and perennials that create shade and reduce maintenance.
Warm Interiors with Timeless Character
Inside the home, the design reflects a calm, earthy palette inspired by the surrounding landscape. Soft neutrals are paired with richer tones, natural stone and warm wood finishes to create spaces that feel both contemporary and enduring.
According to Shannon Bradner of HB Design, layering materials was essential to achieving the right atmosphere. “Layering varied materials helped soften the home’s architectural rigor and create warmth, while subtle playful details and decorative lighting added personality without detracting from its timeless quality.”
Throughout the home, porcelain tile, wood and quartzite are carefully combined so that light interacts with surfaces and textures throughout the day. Custom millwork integrates storage seamlessly into the architecture, ensuring the interiors remain uncluttered while highlighting the beauty of the materials themselves.
The Ultimate Indoor–Outdoor Lifestyle
The pool house and outdoor deck strengthen the connection between the interior and landscape. Large sliding doors open fully to the pool terrace, transforming the space into a relaxed setting for entertaining.
Planting around the pool adds seasonal interest and texture, including smoke bush, junipers, sedums and ornamental grasses. Above them, Japanese maples create a leafy canopy that softens the architecture and reinforces the garden’s layered character.
The main house unfolds across three levels with an open-plan main floor, while bedrooms are located upstairs for privacy. A guest suite in the basement ensures family and friends are comfortably accommodated. Across the alley, the pool house features a generous open-plan entertaining area, along with a gym, spa and a private office on the upper level.
A Home Designed for Connection
Beyond aesthetics, the project also prioritises community engagement. The gardens along the laneway were intentionally designed to remain open and welcoming to neighbours, while the greenhouse and vegetable planters help anchor the landscape within the local neighbourhood.
Donohoe explains the thinking behind this unusual approach: “I'm quite opposed to landscapes that completely block out the neighbours and create a barrier between neighbors. Perhaps this will inspire others who are looking to build their dream home to reconsider what can be done with two lots connected in one arrangement or another.”
A Thoughtful Approach to Contemporary Living
Sustainability and longevity guided many design decisions throughout the project. Durable materials such as stone, wood and steel were selected for their authenticity and ability to age beautifully, while carefully positioned windows maximise natural light and reduce the need for artificial illumination.
For Bradner, the success of the home lies in how it balances modern design with lasting warmth. “These design moves elevate the project beyond a simple residence into a home that feels both enduring and distinctly personal, responding to its family’s needs while offering a model for contemporary living.”
With its layered planting, warm interiors and seamless indoor–outdoor flow, the home demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform a property into something far greater than a house — a living landscape where architecture, nature and community coexist beautifully.
Credits
Interior design: HB Design, Instagram @hbdesign.vancouver
Landscape Design: Donohoe Living Landscapes, Instagram @donohoelivinglandscapes
Builder: Meister Construction, Instagram @meister_construction
Architecture: Garret Cord Werner Architects
Photos: Ema Peter, Instagram: @emaphotographi
Production: Karine Monié, Instagram: @karinemonie