Etienne Design, a small, full-service residential design firm based on Denman Island, has been selected as a finalist in the Vancouver Island Building Excellence (VIBE) Awards.
The VIBE Awards showcase the best Vancouver Island has to offer in residential construction, design and renovation. The 2016 finalists were announced on March 4.
The project entry from Etienne Design is a spectacular Courtenay home located on an oceanfront acreage. It was entered in the Best Single Family Home (more than 3,000 sq. ft.) category.
The home, called Eagles Aerie, was built in conjunction with project partner Island Timber Frame (Cumberland) and homeowner/builder Brad Jefferson. It was completed using local trades and craftspeople, and includes many energy-efficient building choices and design elements. Prominently featured throughout is the cabinetry and finishing work of sought-after local craftsman and artisan Luc Trepanier.
Etienne de Villiers is the owner, designer, and driving force behind Etienne Design.
“Since inception, the criteria were the same for every element of Eagles Aerie: the highest material quality, superb craftsmanship, and a unity of design,” he said.
“Etienne is amongst the best architectural designers on the West Coast, although he’s not well known,” said Paul Schaffhauser of Island Timber Frame. “His approach to design is stunningly visual, perfectly functional and suits our coastal lifestyle to a tee. This house is a perfect example of his fine work.”
“Lots of the other VIBE entries are larger firms from the Victoria area so it’s pretty stiff competition,” says Drew Erickson of Etienne Design. “But I think the judges recognized what everybody who sees this house recognizes. That it’s something that is truly unique and totally incredible.”
Etienne Design was the only Comox Valley company named as a finalist in any category.
Winners will be announced and all finalists celebrated at a black tie awards gala on April 16 at the Vancouver Island Conference Centre. Tickets can be purchased at www.VIBEawards.ca.