The Riverhouse
Set along the Shuswap River in Grindrod, British Columbia, Riverhouse was designed as a peaceful retreat deeply connected to the surrounding landscape. Balancing refined modern architecture with warmth and livability, the home was thoughtfully created to support both the quiet moments of everyday life and the energy of gathering with family and friends.
THE RIVERHOUSE
Project Location: Grindrod, BC
Project Type: Executive Home
Built: 2021
A Peaceful Retreat Designed Around Family, Nature, and Quiet Living
Set on a tranquil five-acre property in Grindrod, British Columbia, Riverhouse was designed as a retreat from the pace and energy of everyday life — a home rooted in calm, connection, and the surrounding landscape.
Positioned overlooking the Shuswap River with expansive views toward the Enderby Cliffs, the home embraces the natural beauty of the North Okanagan while creating spaces that feel quiet, restorative, and deeply personal. The property itself became one of the guiding influences behind the design, shaping both the architectural form and the overall atmosphere of the home.
The clients envisioned a space that would not only function beautifully for their family, but enrich the experience of everyday living — a home that felt grounded in nature while supporting the rhythm of busy family life.
Architecturally, the home balances a striking modern mountain aesthetic with warmth and restraint. A central two-storey volume anchors the design, flanked by lower single-storey wings with contrasting single-slope rooflines that echo the surrounding terrain and create a dynamic yet balanced composition. The varying masses allow the home to feel substantial without overwhelming the site, helping it settle naturally into the landscape.
Inside, the home was designed to feel bright, welcoming, and serene.
The vaulted great room immediately draws attention toward a dramatic stone fireplace feature wall inspired by the subtle textures and tones found along the nearby riverbanks. Large expanses of glazing frame the surrounding landscape while filling the interior with soft natural light throughout the day.
At the heart of the home is the kitchen and utility area — a space designed intentionally around gathering, cooking, and connection. For the clients, this portion of the home was especially important. The kitchen was envisioned as spacious, highly functional, and comfortable enough to support both quiet family mornings and larger gatherings with friends and extended family.
Adjacent to the kitchen, a walk-through pantry connects to an expansive utility and laundry area with direct garage access, creating a highly practical backbone to the home. These support spaces were thoughtfully integrated into the design to help simplify and support the demands of everyday family life without compromising the calm and refined atmosphere of the home.
Toward the north end of the residence, the owners’ wing creates a more intimate and secluded retreat. Designed for rest and restoration, the space includes a generous ensuite and direct access to the outdoor patio, strengthening the connection between the home and the surrounding landscape.
A sculptural staircase and vaulted ceilings lead into the secondary living spaces, where additional bedrooms and a private recreation area provide flexibility and separation for family and guests.
Throughout the project, the focus remained on creating a home that feels timeless, intentional, and emotionally connected to its environment. Rather than relying on excess, Riverhouse embraces simplicity, proportion, material warmth, and natural light to create spaces that feel calm and enduring.
The result is a home designed not only for how it looks, but for how it feels to live within — peaceful, grounded, and deeply connected to place.
