The Globe and Mail

It's not uncommon to see modernist houses perched on B.C.'s coastal rocks, their expansive windows and exposed beams tempting the hungry surf. Less common is spotting a modernist residence that has, like this 1,620 square foot home in Sea Village, decided to drop right into the ocean. This is sea level in the truest sense: no lawn to mow, rocked to sleep every night by lapping tides. The house is owned by a husband and wife with two children aged 11 and 13, who have asked to remain anonymous. Living on the water was inspired by the mother of the family, who kayaked False Creek frequently while recovering from a serious illness. "I was paddling the area a lot and I really liked Sea Village, so we looked into it," she says, "and we got lucky because spaces are rarely available." The house was designed with kayaking in mind, and along with their fleet of personal kayaks includes a mud room -- or rather, a drip-room -- dedicated to paddling gear.