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HOUSE ON SHORE DRIVE
A waterfront house in Bedford, Nova Scotia, tempers Atlantic exposure with calm materials and clear intent.
On a cul-de-sac overlooking the Bedford Basin, a 7,000 square-foot family home manages to feel both protected and wide open. The architecture is guided by two opposing forces: sheltering the occupants from the harsh marine climate while opening the interior to the expansive water views and shifting light of the Atlantic.
The home’s exterior was designed to endure. Facing direct maritime weather, the material palette is intentionally resilient: clad in vertical Accoya siding, limestone, and a galvalume standing seam metal roof with tight, minimal overhangs. These materials weather gracefully and require almost no upkeep, an essential characteristic in a climate with salt air, freeze–thaw cycles, and strong winds.
The street-facing elevation maintains privacy, revealing little of the openness beyond. In contrast, the rear of the house dissolves almost completely into glass, framing uninterrupted views of the basin and the distant outline of Halifax.
Inside, the main level is organized around a generous open-concept kitchen, living, and dining area where the family spends most of its time. Natural light fills the space through full-height glass that spans nearly the entire rear elevation.
The kitchen is designed as both workspace and gathering place, with dual islands that support cooking, serving, and everyday life. Hand-hewn reclaimed wood beams cross the ceiling - softening the modern lines and introducing a tactile history. In the living room, a double-height limestone fireplace anchors the space while custom cold-rolled steel elements - including a sliding barn door and handrails - introduce a subtle industrial edge.
Beyond the main living space, the layout remains intuitive. The primary suite is tucked into a quiet corner with uninterrupted water views, while three additional bedrooms welcome children and guests. Two home offices support remote work, and functional spaces - mudroom, pantry, and laundry - keep the layout organized. A bar and family room encourage gathering, while a theatre and gym offer retreat. A discreet three-car garage integrates seamlessly into the overall form.
Throughout the home, the design resists the temptation to compete with the surroundings. Instead, it acts as a frame: a place to observe weather rolling in across the water, fog drifting through the harbor, or the warm lights of Halifax flickering at night.

Throughout the home, the design resists the temptation to compete with the surroundings. Instead, it acts as a frame: a place to observe weather rolling in across the water, fog drifting through the harbor, or the warm lights of Halifax flickering at night.
PROJECT DETAILS
Size: 7,400 sq ft
Project Type: New Construction
Location: Bedford, Nova Scotia
General Contractor: Bowers Construction
Team: Stefano Sani, P.Eng (structural), Virginia Ann Interiors (finishes), Patti's Kitchen (cabinets), Urban Handcraft (specialty steel)
Photography: Julian Parkinson (exteriors), DB Architecture (interiors / site photos)
Where Collaboration Meets Craft.
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