Interior Designer Q & A
Aquattro interior designer shows it’s all in the details
False Creek Design Group (FCDG) created Aquattro’s serene interiors by cleverly mixing raw, natural materials and cutting-edge design methods.
The largest independent design firm in Vancouver, FCDG brings 14 years of experience to Aquattro. They are among the first design firms to earn LEED accreditation, and this influences their material and fixture choices for all projects.
Developer Peter Daniel chose FCDG because of its team-driven approach and commitment to sustainability. He appointed Louise Noon head designer because of her focused design strategies that combine functionality, innovation and timeless design.
Louise crafted the interior spaces at Aquattro to reflect the earth, water, trees and sky outside. Below, she answers a few questions to explain the vision behind Aquattro’s tranquil interior spaces.
Q: How would you describe the vision for Aquattro’s interior style?
A: It came from the beautiful landscape around Aquattro, and the mood-elevating views accessible from anywhere you stand on the property.
We wanted to enhance the suites’ interiors with materials carefully chosen to accentuate our clean-lined design, while at the same time capturing and reflecting the natural light outside.
Q: What inspires you about the property?
A: Aquattro’s key elements of nature – earth, water, trees and sky. Our goal was to bring these qualities into each and every suite.
Q: Speaking of the elements, how did nature factor into the materials chosen?
A: Glass was used in many forms to transfer light and provide a translucent environment allowing for bright, elegant, airy rooms.
We chose custom glass tiles for the kitchen back splashes to recreate water’s light-refracting qualities. We were inspired by the ocean, streams and ponds all around the site.
We also used natural stone counter tops, fireplace surrounds and oversized tiles throughout the suites, and chose natural North American hardwoods like walnut and maple for the flooring.
Q: What specific challenges did the project present?
A: The units at Aquattro are typically larger than what is offered elsewhere on the market, so it was a challenge to prioritise the features we wanted because there was so much possibility.
For the living areas of the suite, we created large, open great rooms with generous islands complete with wine fridges for entertaining, and large kitchens with wall ovens and deep pantries.
Q: What aspects of the interior design would surprise people?
A: When people walk through the display suite they are always surprised by the amount of translucent light and the vast, exquisite views. To accentuate this, we used recessed ceiling lights to minimize clutter and provide unobstructed sightlines.
People are also surprised by the high-end materials we used, such as natural travertine marble for the en-suite walls, rain water shower heads, and sunken European tubs mounted in travertine decks.
Q: What is your favourite detail?
A: The mirrors in the en-suites. They are framed by hanging pendants that make the vanity look like a furniture piece as opposed to a traditional cabinet design. I think all the details at Aquattro are really unique, but this one is my favourite.