John Gower Design

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Ocean View Hilltop Home, Nanaimo BC

Here was an opportunity to fit a complex design program to a really challenging site. The house faces north on a steep and rocky site that is difficult to access. We adapted the form to the terrain, creating a home that is only 24′-28′ deep, and curves across the slope in response to the topography. This plan allows all of the principal rooms to have a water view. The shed roof with lifted corners provides shelter and admits light, and lends the home a grace evocative of spreading wings. The exterior was finished with a natural palette of metal, glass, cedar and stone. Interior features included a striking, 20’ high undulating wall of cast alabaster tiles, which provides a backdrop for a floating staircase of steel, wood and glass. The interior elements and many of the material choices were selected by Teresa Ryback of  tdSwansburg Design Studio, and ably executed by builder Greg Martin of Martin Custom Homes. (All photos by Alec Watson)

Square Footage:3900 sq. ft.
Floors:2
Bedrooms:4
Bathrooms:3.5
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Our Clients Say…

Alice and I really enjoy the space we’ve created together. It didn’t take any time to know that it fits like a glove. We just love it.
Alice and Jack H.Maple Bay, BC
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Thank you for the final drawings. I must tell you they look really nice. We are very happy with the outcome. I will certainly recommend your services with other people.
Alex G.Puebla, Mexico
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It’s a beautiful home… We’ve had lots of comments and a few visitors coming to check it out and the feedback has been very positive – everyone loves it!
Brian R. & Anne S.Crescent Valley, BC
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The drawings have exceeded our expectation.  We are very appreciative of the expertise, the professionalism and look forward to building a beautiful well designed Mountain Cabin. Thank You!
JoeNewport, Washington
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John Gower provided the designs for a renovation to our 70 year old house. He designed a home that is energy efficient, durable, safe and beautiful. We cherish its simplicity, the connection it allows us to maintain with our community and the heritage feel that we were able to preserve. He made the process fun, thoughtful and productive. The sustainability of the design work that he provided will allow the house to be enjoyed for many more years.
Suzanne W.Comox, BC
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The house has become such a place of healing and retreat for us, we love every bit of it… Everything about the function of the house is working just as we had hoped- the indoor and the outdoor spaces seem to easily accommodate the extra people and we lived on the covered part of the patio all summer… I am so grateful for your creative genius in bringing our partly formed hopes and dreams into such a beautiful reality.
Linda F.Courtenay, BC
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We worked with John Gower Design on a ‘contemporary craftsman’ style custom waterfront home. His drawings were thorough, well thought out and the assemblies worked well. He responded quickly to our requests for clarification and we collaborated well to refine the specifications as we built. We would be pleased to work with John Gower Designs again.
Kevin F. (Builder)Duncan, BC
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John has a unique ability to combine intricate elements of aesthetics, functional layout, resilience, and purpose into a progressive design package with minimal environmental impact both in construction and ongoing habitation. His designs are both mindful of the future and accommodating to his customers’ desires and lifestyle requirements. Such a complicated balance of considerations is not easy to achieve and John seems to do it time and time again. We have worked with John on several projects … Read more
Island Timber Frame (Builders)Cumberland, BC
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John designed our lovely home in 2002. We opted for the full package (highly recommended), including interior design and ongoing support throughout the construction process. We can’t say enough about how pleased we are with our home. Every square foot serves a purpose with a harmonious integration into the landscape. John spent much time with us discussing how we spend our time in our home, taking the concept of custom home to a much higher level. We have referred two of our friends to John–ther… Read more
Crosbie & Helen W. Maple Bay, BC
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What an amazing experience to be part of designing a home to suit our lot! We had looked at house plans for months and could find nothing that we liked. Within ten minutes you had ideas for a plan that would fit the location and not destroy the natural surroundings. You are so knowledgeable about the whole building experience, not just the designing. We liked the way you interacted with our contractors. They said they thought you were very down to earth and had obviously done some building yours… Read more
Bob & Judy P.Big Lake, BC
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212 - 2459 Cousins Avenue | Courtenay, British Columbia, Canada | V9N 3N6

Tel: 250.871.8765 | Toll-free: 1.877.366.2502

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