Cliffside Residence
project type:
residential, new construction
location:
maple bay, vancouver island,
british columbia, canada
client:
confidential
construction size:
2,800 sq.ft. (260 m²)
building design:
david coulson + john salmon
interior design:
david coulson
project management:
david coulson
structural engineering:
AAE Structural Ltd.
builder:
david coulson design ltd.
status:
finalized 2009

Perched dramatically above the shores of Maple Bay, the Cliffside Residence it is a remarkable achievement, the perfect symbiosis between the vision of a building designer and engineering precision. Constructed on a steep, unforgiving slope, this home demanded an extraordinary approach to design and structural integrity. The very foundation of the building doubles as a retaining and support system for the public road above—a rare and technically challenging achievement that exemplifies innovation under constraint.
The residence embraces its natural setting with a clean, modern form that contrasts the rugged terrain, featuring large vertical planes and carefully framed ocean views. A defining highlight is its 12-foot suspended balcony, which projects boldly toward the bay, offering an unparalleled experience of floating above the water. This element required intricate structural coordination to ensure both safety and aesthetic lightness.
Designed and built by David Coulson Design Ltd., Cliffside Residence stands as a testament to ingenuity, craftsmanship, and the seamless integration of building design with the dramatic coastal landscape of British Columbia. Every detail—from foundation to finish—reflects the company’s commitment to merging visionary design with the practical demands of complex, site-specific construction.





























