Stunning dusk shot taken at 41 Fitzsimmons Walk last night!

Bold contemporary design, clean lines and a sleek neutral palette shape this rare offering. Built in open concept, rich teak and walnut woods alongside travertine stone and wood carpeting create a sophisticated space. Vaulted ceilings and expansive windows provide a spacious alpine feel. The gourmet kitchen, with Wolf and Sub Zero appliances, walk-in pantry, and oversized granite topped island is perfect for entertaining, while 5 bedrooms and 4.5 bathrooms promise plenty of room for family and friends. You will also appreciate secure underground parking in a private double garage with direct access to your home. Fitzsimmons Walk offers mountain views in a pedestrian oriented setting located 1 block from the Village.

This kitchen illustrated one of the 10 ‘most popular new designs of 2010’ in a news release from the American National Kitchen & Bath Association. The designer is Earl Lawson of V6B Design Group, in Vancouver, and the design is called soft geometry. ‘Rounded organic shapes can be seen in the edge of a counter or island top, an arch over an entryway or cooking hearth, the curved lines of a light fixture, and well-placed, space-defining soffits,’ the release observes.

When the American National Kitchen & Bath Association told its 40,000 members of trends they might want to capitalize on, one of them was illustrated by a Whistler kitchen designed by a Vancouver company.

The company is V6B Design Group and the trend its work illustrates is called “soft geometry” (at the NKBA, at any rate). In both contemporary and traditional kitchens, a news release from the trade association says, “rounded organic shapes can be seen in the edges of counters or island tops, arches over entryways or cooking hearths, the curved lines of a light fixture, and well-placed, space-defining soffits.

“The introduction of rounded islands and countertops carves a smooth-flowing traffic pattern throughout the room, while an appropriately placed arch will bring an overall softening to the more angular fixed features that are typical in kitchens and baths.”

The kitchen chosen by the NKBA to exemplify soft geometry was designed by V6B president Earl Lawson and senior designer Igor Selskiy.

In an 8,000-square-foot Whistler residence, the original kitchen was harsh, with straight lines and angles, says Lawson. The owners, who rented out the house for the Olympics, wanted to be able to entertain 100 people on the main floor and provide an inviting, functional space for their family of five.

After opening up the space to improve flow, Selskiy began sketching plans for a new triangle-shaped island. He then softened the lines of the eating bar, which evolved into a gentle S shape. Softly bowed stained-birch cabinets below the sink and coffee centre and an arch over the range hood create additional visual interest.
The key is to be subtle, says Lawson. The room should be comfortable and easy on the eyes.

In the ’80s and early ’90s, as manufacturing technologies improved, curves became more common, with standard curved doors used to round the ends of cabinets.

Some European cabinet manufacturers introduced kitchen models with multiple curved lines, everything round, with dramatic curves. It looked like a space shuttle had landed in your kitchen, says Lawson. “It’s cool they can do that, but it’s not comfortable. The kitchen should be a place you want to spend time in.”

At the same time, the basic linear kitchen with the classic work triangle of sink, fridge and stove is no longer relevant. It was important when the kitchen was a separate room where moms worked by themselves, but kitchens are now too big or too small for a traditional work triangle.

Today’s kitchens need four main areas — cleaning; preparation and cooking; storage and entertaining; and seating — designed for multiple cooks, entertaining and families.

V6B also designs many kitchens for people who don’t cook because they eat out, just use the kitchen for socializing or are too busy to cook every day.

Either way, kitchens now tend to be open to the rest of the home. “We are no longer designing kitchens in isolation, but to fit into the overall space,” says Lawson. “We need to take a creative look at the functional requirements and work them into the overall space design.”

For example, in an open-plan townhouse kitchen, also located in Whistler, V6B, working with designer Susan Parker, used massive log posts as anchors for two wood countertops, creating distinct spaces for dining and entertaining, while extending the kitchen space and encouraging an efficient flow of traffic.

Echoing the organic shape of the round log posts, the wood countertops were cut with an curve.

A sinuous line of red glass pebbles in the backsplash behind the range helps soften the dark slate, granite and stainless steel finishes, while conveying a note of both whimsy and sophistication.

The kitchen won an award in the 2010 International Wolf/Sub Zero design competition.

Countertops, especially wood or granite, are the easiest way to introduce curves into the kitchen. Cabinets are a different story. The reason many designers don’t bother with curves is many cabinetmakers won’t make them, says Lawson.

The industry was previously controlled by cabinet-manufacturers who make square boxes, he explains. “We are not inspired by putting boxes into homes.”

Cabinetmakers used by V6B include Crystal Cabinet Works and Neff. Neff’s cabinets range from the almost-circular, modern Chicago-style to traditional European-style cabinets that resemble fine furniture — which is exactly what they are, as kitchens become increasingly part of the living space.

V6B designers, all of whom have at least 20 years’ experience, work function into the overall space esthetic. Their focus is to design spaces with attention to proportion, balance and detail, rather than trends. But the ultimate goal is for the homeowners to love the kitchen every time they walk in.

As for curves, V6B designers have used them where appropriate for a long time. NKBA came up with the term soft geometry, says Lawson. “We call it good design.”

Special to The Sun - By Felicity Stone
© Copyright (c) The Vancouver Sun

soft-geometry-article-vancouver-sun

OPEN HOUSE TODAY July 21 : 10am - 1pm 8525 Ashleigh McIvor Drive $2,200,000

Located in one of Whistler’s newest neighbourhoods, this brand new 4 bedroom home offers a unique combination of exquisite mountain views, modern architecture and future community amenities such as Residents Club with pool & firepit. Wood and stone will bring texture and alpine character to the clean, modern aesthetic, while floor to ceiling windows bring views of the ski runs on Whistler and Blackcomb and the sunlight on Green Lake. Open plan living space includes a gourmet kitchen on the main level with gas fireplace in the living area to cozy up while taking in the 200 degree views of the valley below.

Luxury estate located on one of Whistler’s most desirble streets - Crabapple Drive! Situated on a rare flat 1/2 acre parcel this stunning property is magnificantly landscaped for total privacy and features a beautiful outdoor entertaining space. With the ability to develop additional space this true gem is awaiting your touch!

Sold by John Ryan

Natural elements define this modern alpine lodge. Located within Pinnacle Ridge and alongside Blackcomb Mountain, if offers the conveniences of ski in ski out access and the privacy of an exclusive community. This property has been exquisitely renovated to feature the texture and colour of wood and stone. Vaulted ceilings in the main living space bring warmth from above, while light from the large picture window falls across a stately floor to ceiling river rock fireplace. The kitchen overlooks the space, bring wood cabinetry and stone countertops together for beauty and function. Stone accents continue in the baths with unique basins and rich tile. This home offers four bedrooms and three baths across 2350 square feet on three levels.

Proudly Listed by John Ryan at $2,475,000

It has been 4 decades since this rare property was available. With over 60 feet of waterfront on Alta Lake and an existing 4 bedroom family home, it offers a chance to live, play and immerse yourself in the landscape while you design the home you’ve always imagined. The open concept living area and expansive windows bring in all day sun. Outside, a large grassy area and dock over Whistler’s best swimming lake create exceptional entertaining spaces. Enjoy sunlit days swimming and kayaking on the lake and evenings around the barbecue. In the winter months, lace up your ice skates and plan hot chocolate around the outdoor fire. It’s the perfect place to create memories with family and friends. Access the Valley Trail, Whistler Village and all the water sports the lake offers. Embrace the history, the possibilities and the future of this rare piece of Alta Lake.

Beautiful sunny morning at Fitzsimmons Walk today.

Currently available for purchase

www.fitzsimmonswalk.com

coming soon…..

For the first time in over forty years there’s an opportunity to purchase a pair of side by side prime waterfront properties and own a unique expanse of Whistler lakeshore. Embrace the history, the possibilities and the future of this rare piece of Alta Lake. Choose one or purchase them both and build the estate you’ve always dreamed of.

Lakeside Whistler

THE FOUR SEASONS PRIVATE RESIDENCE - OUR WINTER 2010/2011 SALES SUCCESS

RESIDENCE 61 - 4.5 BEDROOM - SOLD March 2011 - $4,100,000

RESIDENCE 63 - 4.5 BEDROOM - SOLD JANAURY 2011 - $4,050,000

RESIDENCE 62 - 2 BEDROOM - SOLD MARCH 2011 - $2,450,000

RESIDENCE 57 - 2 BEDROOM - SOLD MARCH 2011 - $1,525,000

In the tradition of estate mountain homes, this address has no equal. Surrounded by stone walls that offer a sense of privacy and exclusivity, this gateway building to the Blackcomb Benchlands offers all of the amenities and services sought after by discerning clientele. Live full-time or earn an income in the rental program. Either way, every need is met.

Currently Available at the Four Seasons Private Residence 

51…… 2 bedroom…… 1504 sq ft……. $1,950,000
27…… 2 bedroom…… 1783 sq ft……. $2,099,000
40…… 2 bedroom…… 1770 sq ft……. $2,475,000
24…… 3 bedroom…… 2423 sq ft……. $2,990,000
35…… 3 bedroom…… 2330 sq ft……. $2,750,000
22…… 3.5 bedroom…. 2581 sq ft…… $3,495,000
36…… 3.5 bedroom…. 2533 sq ft…… $3,675,000
52…… 4.5 bedroom…. 3670 sq ft…… $4,800,000

Please visit our dedicate website www.whistlerprivateresidence.com