Award-Winning Custom Home

Main STREET CORRIDOR, Vancouver

In 2025, this custom home, built by Solaris Properties in collaboration with Sarah Gallop Design Inc. and Architrix Design Studio, was recognized at the prestigious HAVAN Awards for Housing Excellence, winning Best Custom Home: $1 Million – Under $1.5 Million.

The HAVAN Awards spotlight the best new-home construction, renovation, and design projects across Metro Vancouver. In its 16th year, the program received 451 entries from 181 builders, renovators, and designers across 65 categories, with winners selected through a rigorous peer-reviewed judging process by industry professionals.

For homeowners, the HAVAN symbol represents a trusted mark of quality, craftsmanship, and design excellence in local homebuilding, and we’re proud to be the recipient of a HAVAN Award.

The Vision: A Multi-Generational Family Home

From day one, this home was designed around family.

Built on the site of a previous house that was demolished, the new custom build was thoughtfully planned to support three generations living together, including a fully integrated suite for a mother-in-law. Unlike many homes where secondary suites are accessed from the back, this design places the suite entrance at the front, creating greater privacy and allowing the backyard to remain exclusive for the primary residence.

The result is a home that balances independence, connection, and long-term livability.

West Coast Modern: Designed for Climate and Lifestyle

The exterior captures a distinctly West Coast feel through:

Vertical dark wood siding
Strong modern lines balanced with practical roof overhangs for rain protection
A clean, timeless palette that blends into the natural environment

Interior Design: Clean, Functional, and Intentional

The interior is defined by clean lines, minimal visual clutter, and purposeful built-ins that maximize everyday usability.

The open-concept kitchen, dining, and living areas are designed for real family life, replacing formal spaces with connected gathering areas. Large sliding doors extend the living space outdoors while bringing in abundant natural light year-round.

Kitchen Highlights

Olive green cabinetry paired with vertical grain oak accents
Integrated cabinet-depth paneled fridge
Built-in hood fan
Pot filler

The palette creates warmth while maintaining a modern edge.

Smart Space Use

Built-in dining settee maximizes seating while saving floor space
Custom built-in desk for a study nook, integrates seamlessly into the living area
Extensive built-in shelving throughout the home

Craftsmanship and Construction Detail

Many of the most impressive features are subtle — requiring precision and careful execution.

Intricate tile work required individual placement and strict alignment to maintain visual consistency — a process demanding significant attention to detail.
From cabinetry to shelving to integrated appliances, custom millwork was designed to feel seamless rather than added on.
Custom stair railing stained to match flooring
Goose-neck railing design detail
Step lighting integrated into the staircase for safety and ambience

Primary Suite: Volume, Light, and Privacy

The primary bedroom features a vaulted ceiling that increases both perceived and functional volume, allowing:

Larger custom windows
Increased natural light
A more spacious feel without expanding footprint

The ensuite and walk-in closet are arranged in a semi-open concept — unique for most homes — while maintaining privacy through obscured glass for the water closet and shower.

Bathroom Features

Wall-mounted faucets
Floating vanity
Continuous tile from floor to wall

The Result

This project reflects Solaris Properties’ commitment to building homes that are not only beautiful, but deeply functional for the people who live in them. From multi-generational planning to material selection, from millwork precision to architectural climate response, every decision was intentional.

Winning a HAVAN Award affirms what clients already experience firsthand: thoughtful design, strong partnerships, and exceptional execution.