Why the Greatest West Coast Modern Homes Have Already Been Built
The postwar architects of this coast created a residential language that remains unmatched in its honesty, restraint and connection to place.
1 OF 1
MODERN
A curated collection of architecturally significant West Coast Modern homes.
Philosophy / 01
We believe the greatest West Coast Modern homes have already been built.
During the 1950s and 1960s, a remarkable generation of architects created homes that belonged unmistakably to this coast. They were defined by clarity, proportion, natural materials and an intimate relationship with landscape.
Many have been altered beyond recognition. Others have disappeared entirely.
We believe the finest deserve another future.
1 OF 1 MODERN acquires a select number of architecturally significant residences and completely reimagines them. Each is guided by its original architectural idea, then rebuilt with the performance, comfort and exacting detail expected of an exceptional contemporary home.
Only a handful each year.
Each unique.
Each one of one.
Architecture inseparable from landscape.
Collection 01
Fairmont
Originally designed by Bob Lewis
- Year
- 1953
- Location
- North Vancouver
- Status
- Collection Complete · 2025
Collection 01 / Fairmont
The architecture was already timeless. The task was to reveal it.
Fairmont is a rare surviving example of a 1953 Bob Lewis post-and-beam residence. Its low horizontal form, exposed structure and direct relationship with garden and creek remain the essence of the home. The transformation preserved that clarity while rebuilding virtually every structural, mechanical, electrical and finish element around it.
Light / Structure / Landscape
Quiet refinement.
Without compromise.
The Standard / 02
Luxury is not accumulation. It is resolution.
The quality of a home is revealed where materials meet, where light is controlled and where every line reaches a deliberate conclusion. At Fairmont, the visible calm is the result of thousands of decisions: structural reinforcement concealed within the architecture, aluminum glazing aligned with the post-and-beam rhythm, custom millwork resolved to the millimetre, and mechanical systems integrated without visual interruption.
The result is not a reproduction of 1953. It is a continuation of the original idea, executed with contemporary precision.
Collection Standards / 03
Every residence must be worthy of the Collection.
- 01
Architectural significance comes first.
- 02
The original design idea is respected and made legible again.
- 03
Hidden structure and building systems receive the same attention as visible finishes.
- 04
Contemporary interventions are restrained, precise and sympathetic.
- 05
Each completed residence is permanently documented as part of the Collection.
Journal / 04
Ideas that shape the Collection.
The Enduring Clarity of Post-and-Beam
Structure becomes architecture when it establishes proportion, rhythm and a truthful relationship between interior and landscape.
The Difference Is in the Junction
Exceptional work is often most visible in the places designed not to attract attention.
News / 05
The Globe and Mail
A West Coast Modern original begins its next chapter.
Fairmont has been featured for its architectural provenance, complete reconstruction and renewed relevance to buyers seeking authentic modernism without the uncertainty of a conventional restoration.
Publication link can be added here once the final article URL is supplied.
People / 06
The people behind the Collection.
Vision · Selection · Creative Direction
Graham Kwan
Founder & Creative Director
Graham founded 1 OF 1 MODERN from a belief that the greatest West Coast Modern homes have already been built, and that the finest deserve another future. His 35-year career includes senior leadership with Belt Collins, Intrawest and Character Capital, working with leading architects, designers, hospitality brands and investors around the world. He directs the selection, vision and transformation of every Collection residence.
Quality · Craftsmanship · Precision
Greg Hasler
Award-Winning Master Builder | Hasler Homes
Greg began his career at the Fred Hollingsworth Studio, developing a deep appreciation for the principles and detailing of West Coast Modern architecture. As one of North Vancouver’s premier builders, he leads the reconstruction of every Collection residence with uncompromising craftsmanship and exacting attention to detail.
Private Client Advisory
Nick Barnes
Collection Advisor | Sotheby’s
Nick leads the private introduction of every Collection residence. Through discreet representation, strategic counsel and an extensive network of discerning clients, he provides a highly personalized acquisition experience for those seeking exceptional West Coast Modern architecture.
Collection 01
Fairmont
Collection Complete · 2025Private enquiries