Peter Kaffka’s Forest House Is Reimagined as Westport Place

The west coast of Canada, as in the U.S., is home to a rich trove of midcentury dwellings. From Fred Hollingsworth and Barry Downs to Peter Kaffka, these giants of coastal modernism left an indelible mark on the region’s architectural landscape, crafting residences that deftly negotiated the idiosyncrasies of the natural environment while blending picturesque exteriors with the realities of life inside. When Kaffka’s 1961 Forest House made a rare appearance on the market, Michelle and Matthew Wilson jumped at the opportunity to relocate from downtown Toronto to verdant West Vancouver.

Just shy of 4,400 square feet, the three-bedroom, two-bath residence retained much of its original character and charm. However, in the six decades since its construction, many of its midcentury features had aged significantly and required modernization. Rather than demolish it, the Wilsons enlisted local practice OMB (Office of McFarlane Biggar Architects + Designers), who were familiar with both the area and the house’s significance, to resolve the results of past renovations, upgrade the envelope with energy efficiency in mind, and adapt the interiors to better suit their needs.

Appearing to be a modest bungalow on approach, the low-slung, two-storey building gradually transitions toward a central living and dining area, flanked by an updated principal bedroom and a secluded office. Here, a reconfigured kitchen features a white-oak–clad pantry that reclaims a previously unused nook, along with an extended island with bar seating that opens into the formerly closed-off living room. Nearby, the architects returned the central brick fireplace to its original wood-burning capacity while preserving the existing post-and-beam ceiling. This whitewashed structure provides a subtle backdrop for contemporary insertions such as wide-plank flooring and chevron-patterned terra cotta tile, helping knit the interior together.

The most significant addition came in the form of an expanded front deck, separated by expansive sliding doors and cantilevering over the old-growth trees to create additional outdoor living space. Replacing a spiral staircase that was no longer code compliant, a new white-oak stairway now leads to the ground floor, where there are two bedrooms, a retrofitted sauna, and a redesigned family room with framed views of the forest. The comprehensive renovation also offered an opportunity to create a separate guest suite with a wood-burning fireplace and detailing that recalls that of the main house.

In line with Kaffka’s initial vision, OMB’s renovation of Westport Place preserves the home’s connection to its lush setting while realigning its essential simplicity and clarity for the 21st century.

Photographs by Janis Nicolay.

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