Building Guidelines

The site location of buildings and other structures have been identified to minimize the disturbance of the site’s natural features such as treescapes, landforms and the topography of the site. Sites are in consideration of neighboring properties, including overview, shading and obstruction of views. Any site development and construction will be minimized to protect these natural and existing amenities such as landforms and drainage patterns. 

Homes in Braemuir will be designed to feature door and window openings, balconies, railings, dormers, gables, decks, terraces, verandas, fireplaces, chimneys and feature lighting. A high level of architectural design is expected, to illustrate a pride in ownership and to help add value to the properties of Braemuir. Buildings should enhance view opportunities, provide good sun exposure and minimize negative visual impacts.

The use of a relatively limited range of exterior wall materials and colors will assure overall compatibility throughout Braemuir. Exterior walls should be characterized by strong, simple forms constructed of wood, stone, brick or concrete. Exterior walls will visually emerge from the ground, express mass and convey a sense of strength and permanence. The overriding principle for the exterior color of the buildings is to create a group of homes that are in visual harmony with the terrain and vegetation of the natural landscape and with each other. Exterior trim may be applied and should be consistent in their origin and interpretation throughout the building. Windows and doors will provide individual character and refinement of scale by introducing openings and patters on walls. Consideration should be given to locating doors and windows to establish order on primary facades while being responsive to interior functions, privacy and view opportunities as well as privacy on other Lots.

The design and use of consistent roof forms and materials is an important element of the overall building design, as it provides a strong unifying characteristic between buildings. Balconies can either be recessed into the wall mass or projected from exterior walls. Balconies should be sized to individual rooms or functions within the building and should be proportional to the overall exterior elevation of the building. Chimneys are a strong visual element of a home and should be designed in relationship to form and materials of the building. Stone exteriors are encouraged and shall incorporate cut stone caps, concrete or decorative metal spark arresting “roofs”. 

Landscape Guidelines

Following the initial clearing and thinning of trees completed by the Developer, no further trees may be removed, by Owners from their Lots or otherwise cut or substantially limbed without the approval of the Approving Authority, which may be arbitrarily withheld. Landscape walls, fences and other screening elements shall be consistent with the architectural materials, textures and colors used on the main building, and generally should be constructed of wood, stone or concrete with stone veneer. Terraces, patios, walkways and decks will be used as an effective transition between the mass of a building and the topography, vegetation and other natural characteristics of the site as well as the location of interior spaces The intent of the lighting guideline is to maintain the rural character, preserve the night sky and protect neighboring properties from bright lights and indirect light sources.

Would you like to know more about Braemuir
or be notified of Elmworth Developments'
new projects in the Cowichan Valley?