Houzz Tours
My Houzz: New Luxury Condo in Downtown Vancouver
Global accents mixed with iconic design elements add international flair to this modern two-bedroom condominium
Designed by the world-renowned architects at Foster + Partners, the sleek and modern high-rise Jameson House in Vancouver, British Columbia, is the firm's first residential project in North America. Adam Becker, of aBecker Design is a huge fan of Norman Foster's work, and was one of the first people in line for a presale unit in the building.
High-end finishings and location aside, the condo exceeded Adam's want list with what may be the first fully automated parking system in Canada. Situated in the heart of Vancouver’s business district and steps away from the sea wall, the Jameson House is an ideal model for urban condo living.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Adam Becker
Location: Downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Size: 1,450 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, balcony
That's interesting: The height of the kitchen island is controlled by a switch.
High-end finishings and location aside, the condo exceeded Adam's want list with what may be the first fully automated parking system in Canada. Situated in the heart of Vancouver’s business district and steps away from the sea wall, the Jameson House is an ideal model for urban condo living.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Adam Becker
Location: Downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Size: 1,450 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, balcony
That's interesting: The height of the kitchen island is controlled by a switch.
The 9-foot-high ceilings in the home are accentuated by rosewood columns Becker imported from India.
HM: What art or design pieces are most important to you? What inspires your personal style?
AB: To keep inspired, I make it a point to travel often. I spent four years traveling the world and hiking places like Tibet, Nepal and the K2 base camp in Pakistan. Now I have a collection of great pieces from around the world. I collected artifacts from remote parts of Papua New Guinea, like this bust statue, which I lugged back 15 years ago.
Dining chairs: Mies van der Rohe's Brno chair, from KnollStudio Design; dining table: Le Corbusier, Ital Interiors
HM: What art or design pieces are most important to you? What inspires your personal style?
AB: To keep inspired, I make it a point to travel often. I spent four years traveling the world and hiking places like Tibet, Nepal and the K2 base camp in Pakistan. Now I have a collection of great pieces from around the world. I collected artifacts from remote parts of Papua New Guinea, like this bust statue, which I lugged back 15 years ago.
Dining chairs: Mies van der Rohe's Brno chair, from KnollStudio Design; dining table: Le Corbusier, Ital Interiors
The sleek kitchen features a stainless steel backsplash with a built-in illuminated glass lighting panel.
The Italian-designed Dada kitchen island is controlled by a switch, which can raise or lower it to bar or dining height, making it ideal for entertaining.
Painting: Michael Batty
The Italian-designed Dada kitchen island is controlled by a switch, which can raise or lower it to bar or dining height, making it ideal for entertaining.
Painting: Michael Batty
An antique 1930s chandelier hangs in the dining room near a stunning photography collage by Greg Swales from Narcisa, Cuba.
HM: If you could splurge on anything for your home, what would it be?
AB: With little wall space left for art, I would love to get a new pendant light for the dining area. I really admire the work of Roll & Hill out of New York.
Pendant light: Architectural Antiques
HM: If you could splurge on anything for your home, what would it be?
AB: With little wall space left for art, I would love to get a new pendant light for the dining area. I really admire the work of Roll & Hill out of New York.
Pendant light: Architectural Antiques
Curved walls are painted black, highlighting the tower's architectural detail from the inside. Not only are the curves visually striking, but they serve a purpose from an environmental engineering standpoint, minimizing the effects of wind and reducing thermal gains. The design was developed in response to weather, temperatures and precipitation rates specific to Vancouver.
In the living room, red ikat cushions purchased on a trip to Istanbul accent a white sofa, contrasting two Le Corbusier LC3 armchairs from Cassina.
HM: What do you love most about your field of work?
AB: I love that every project is never the same. Every client is different, and I try to make each place as unique as they are. Of course, the sourcing for products and shopping in cool stores never gets old.
Sofa: Montauk Sofa; paintings: Tom Burrows; candleholder: Minotti; sculptures: Karl Stittgen
HM: What do you love most about your field of work?
AB: I love that every project is never the same. Every client is different, and I try to make each place as unique as they are. Of course, the sourcing for products and shopping in cool stores never gets old.
Sofa: Montauk Sofa; paintings: Tom Burrows; candleholder: Minotti; sculptures: Karl Stittgen
Floor-to-ceiling bay windows maximize the living space and create a perfect spot for this small seating area. The ornate brass candleholder on the table is designed by Tom Dixon. When illuminated with a tea light, the etchings create a mass of playful shadow patterns.
Chairs: Eames Aluminum Group, Herman Miller; table: Eero Saarinen, KnollStudio
Chairs: Eames Aluminum Group, Herman Miller; table: Eero Saarinen, KnollStudio
Becker is inspired not only by his global travels but by boutique hotels as well. In the guest bedroom, he went for a luxe look and added a custom diamond-tufted headboard wall with help from Quality Sofamakers.
Pendant light: Schonbek; bedside tables: The Cross Decor; bedside lamps: Foscarini; bedding: Fino Lino
Pendant light: Schonbek; bedside tables: The Cross Decor; bedside lamps: Foscarini; bedding: Fino Lino
Imported travertine stone flooring can be found throughout the space. The guest bathroom has a built-in frameless mirrored vanity unit and a wall-hung concealed tank toilet from Duravit. The backlit mirror adds to the airy feel in this spa-like room.
Marcel Wanders wallpaper adds a touch of whimsy to the master bedroom and desk nook.
Desk lamp: Kelvin LED, Flos; office chair: Herman Miller
Desk lamp: Kelvin LED, Flos; office chair: Herman Miller
Becker designed the bedside tables himself and had them fabricated by Precision Werkz.
Bedside lamps: Metalarte
Bedside lamps: Metalarte
HM: What's your next design project?
AB: I am working on a really cool renovation for a great client in the Kitsilano neighborhood. I find that here in Vancouver, my mandate is usually to take a space that is around 15 years old and completely reinvent it. My clients understand the value of design and of good materials and finishes.
Outdoor furniture: Pier 1 Imports
AB: I am working on a really cool renovation for a great client in the Kitsilano neighborhood. I find that here in Vancouver, my mandate is usually to take a space that is around 15 years old and completely reinvent it. My clients understand the value of design and of good materials and finishes.
Outdoor furniture: Pier 1 Imports
Becker's semicircle-shape balcony features great views of downtown Vancouver.
HM: Tell me about your neighborhood. What are your go-to spots?
AB: I have lived in Coal Harbour for nearly 15 years, and it has finally reached its peak, which makes for some great new spots. My favorite would be a drink at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel.
HM: Tell me about your neighborhood. What are your go-to spots?
AB: I have lived in Coal Harbour for nearly 15 years, and it has finally reached its peak, which makes for some great new spots. My favorite would be a drink at the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel.
Fusing old and new, the Jameson House sensitively engages its neighboring Beaux Arts counterparts. Integrating the lower-level offices and shops with the existing historic streetscape, the tower blends with its surroundings at street level yet adds a new landmark to the Vancouver skyline.
Houzz call: Do you live in a sleek downtown space? Share it with us!
Houzz call: Do you live in a sleek downtown space? Share it with us!
Adam Becker: Using timeless modern design pieces amongst clean lines. My greatest strengths are kitchens and bathrooms — I have a strong sense about both areas. Maybe because my mother is the cofounder of the Dubrulle Culinary Institute, but I have always been around food. I also know that a great kitchen can substantially increase the value of a property. Likewise, bathrooms can be a very utilitarian place or quite sexy and decadent.
Kitchen island: Dada