Designed by the world-renowned architects in Foster + Partners, the slick and contemporary high-rise Jameson House at 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 job, and was among the first people in line to get a presale unit at the construction.
High-end finishings and place aside, the condo exceeded Adam’s desire list with what might be the first completely automated parking system in Canada. Located in the heart of Vancouver’s business district and steps away from the sea wall, the Jameson House is the ideal model for urban condo living.
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 change.
Heather Merenda
Heather Merenda: What is your decorating philosophy?
Adam Becker: Using timeless modern design bits amongst clean lines. My greatest strengths are kitchens and bathrooms — that I have a strong sense about the two regions. Maybe because my mother is the cofounder of the Dubrulle Culinary Institute, but I have been around food. I also know that a fantastic kitchen may substantially increase the value of a house. Likewise, bathrooms can be an extremely utilitarian location or very hot and decadent.
Kitchen island: Dada
Heather Merenda
The 9-foot-high ceilings at the home are highlighted by rosewood columns Becker imported from India.
HM: What artwork or design bits are important to you? What inspires your personal style?
AB: To keep motivated, I make it a point to travel frequently. 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 all over the world. I collected artifacts from remote parts of Papua New Guinea, in this way bust statue, which I lugged back 15 decades ago.
Dining chairs: Mies van der Rohe’s Brno chair, from KnollStudio Design; dining table: Le Corbusier, Ital Interiors
Heather Merenda
The slick kitchen comes with a stainless steel backsplash with a built-in illuminated glass light panel.
The Italian-designed Dada kitchen island is controlled by a switch, which may increase or lower it to bar or dining height, which makes it ideal for entertaining.
Painting: Michael Batty
Heather Merenda
A classic 1930s chandelier hangs from the dining room near a gorgeous photography collage by Greg Swales out of Narcisa, Cuba.
HM: In case you can splurge on anything for your home, what could it be?
AB: With little wall space left for artwork, I’d really like to get a new pendant lighting for the dining area. I Truly admire the work of Roll & Hill from New York.
Pendant mild: Architectural Antiques
Heather Merenda
Curved walls are painted , highlighting the tower’s architectural detail from the inside. Not merely are the curves visually breathtaking, but they serve a purpose from an environmental engineering standpoint, reducing the effects of wind and reducing thermal gains. The design was developed in response to weather, temperatures and precipitation rates specific to Vancouver.
Heather Merenda
In the living room, red ikat cushions purchased on a visit to Istanbul accent a white couch, contrasting two Le Corbusier LC3 armchairs from Cassina.
HM: What do you love most about your area of work?
AB: I adore that every job is never exactly the same. Every customer is different, and that I strive to make each location as exceptional 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
Heather Merenda
Floor-to-ceiling bay windows optimize the living room and create a perfect spot for this small seating area. The elaborate brass candleholder on the table is designed by Tom Dixon. When illuminated with a warm light, the etchings create a mass of lively shadow patterns.
Chairs: Eames Aluminum Group, Herman Miller; table: Eero Saarinen, KnollStudio
Heather Merenda
Becker is motivated not only by his global travels but by boutique resorts too. In the guest bedroom, then he went to get a luxe look and added a custom diamond-tufted headboard wall with assistance from Quality Sofamakers.
Pendant lighting: Schonbek; bedside tables: The Cross Woman; bedside lamps: Foscarini; bedding: Fino Lino
Heather Merenda
Imported travertine stone floors can be found through the space. The guest bathroom has a built-in frameless mirrored vanity unit and a wall-hung hidden tank toilet from Duravit. The backlit mirror adds to the airy texture within this living room.
Heather Merenda
Marcel Wanders wallpaper adds a touch of whimsy into the master bedroom and bedroom nook.
Desk lamp: Kelvin LED, Flos; office chair: Herman Miller
Heather Merenda
Becker designed the bedside tables had them fabricated by Precision Werkz.
Bedside lamps: Metalarte
Heather Merenda
HM: What is your next design job?
AB: I’m working on a very cool renovation to get a fantastic customer in the Kitsilano neighborhood. I find that here in Vancouver, my mandate is typically to take a space that’s around 15 years of age and completely reinvent it. My customers understand the value of design and of good materials and finishes.
Outside furniture: Pier 1 Imports
Heather Merenda
Becker’s semicircle-shape balcony includes 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 decades, and it’s finally reached its summit, making for some fantastic new spots. My favourite would be a drink in the Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel.
Heather Merenda
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 road level yet adds a new milestone to the Vancouver skyline.
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