Along the eastern coast of British Columbia’s Vancouver Island, where the ocean hums quietly against the shore and the air carries the scent of cedar and salt, a newly built bungalow offers more than just a place to live - it offers perspective. The home sits gracefully above the calm waters of Qualicum Beach, designed to celebrate the views, the landscape, and a slower pace of life.
For the homeowners, who relocated from Ontario to be closer to family, the setting was paramount. “From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted by nature - whether it’s the ocean ahead or the dappled light filtering through the trees,” says Erin Hannon-Watkinson, founder and creative director of Studio HA/WA, the Vancouver-based design firm behind the project.
A Break from Tradition
One of the homeowners, a retired general contractor with experience building luxury homes in Ontario’s Georgian Bay and Muskoka regions, was used to a more traditional aesthetic. This project, with its clean lines and minimalist forms, marked a personal and stylistic departure.
"Ours were ready to take a leap - away from darker woods and classic detailing into something more contemporary and responsive to the landscape. That’s when the magic happens.”, Hannon-Watkinson says.
Studio HA/WA began with the bones of West Coast Contemporary architecture - vaulted rooflines, natural overhangs, and simple geometries - then layered in their own sensibility: warm woods, a restrained palette, and subtle but intentional design moments that quietly shift the narrative.
Designed Around the View
Spanning 1,900 square feet, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom home features a den, mudroom, and spacious laundry, all designed with day-to-day ease in mind. The open-concept living, kitchen, and dining areas form the heart of the home and act as a stage for its greatest asset - the view.
“Much of the design was about framing the outdoors,” says Hannon-Watkinson. “The windows act like artwork - they bring the seascape and trees in, but they also anchor each space, adding calm and direction.”
This thoughtful layout doesn’t just make the most of natural light - it also guides movement and mood throughout the day. The principal bedroom, for instance, is positioned so that waking up means gazing directly at the ocean.
Inspired by Nature
To support the connection between indoors and out, the design team took inspiration from the environment - both visually and materially. Locally sourced marble from Vancouver Island Marble sets the tone with its soft, cool veining. This stone is echoed in the kitchen island, main bath, and fireplace surround, providing continuity and subtle movement throughout the home.
“The colour palette followed the stone,” explains Hannon-Watkinson. “We picked up those ocean-inspired blues and greys and carried them into the walls, rugs, and upholstery. The goal was to feel immersed in the natural setting, even when you’re inside.”
Other natural materials include stained oak flooring, walnut kitchen millwork, and white oak cabinetry in the bathrooms and utility rooms. Ceilings clad in wood mirror the exterior beams, further blending the indoor and outdoor elements.
Sourcing Local, Living Thoughtfully
This project was as much about supporting the community as it was about celebrating the place. The homeowners made a conscious effort to work with British Columbia-based artisans and suppliers. Sculptural lighting in the ensuite is by AND Light, a respected Vancouver lighting studio. Artwork by Victoria’s Joy Kinna features throughout the home, often positioned in conversation with the landscape beyond.
“It felt important that the things inside the home came from nearby - that they had a sense of belonging,” says Hannon-Watkinson.
Furniture and accessories from Canadian makers - Chester Fields, Awai Ceramics, and Gabriel Ross among them - add subtle personality and warmth without overwhelming the calm, curated interiors.
Despite the intensely site-specific design, the Studio HA/WA team never set foot on the property until after completion. Due to scheduling and logistical constraints, the entire design process was completed remotely - a challenge that required trust, communication, and a little creativity. “Because of my background in international hospitality, I was used to working remotely,” Hannon-Watkinson says. “But this project really reinforced how effective a team can be when everyone is aligned and detail-oriented - even from a distance.”
The result is a house that feels light in every sense of the word - bright, open, and intentionally right-sized. There are no superfluous rooms or over-the-top gestures. Every square foot is carefully considered.
Credits
Interior design by Studio HA/WA, Instagram: @studio.hawa
Photography by Mary McNeill Knowles Creative, Instagram: @mmk_creative
Styling by Monika Tischer, Instagram: @mtischer
